DTRSSS Posted June 9, 2017 Share #1 Posted June 9, 2017 I have some pictures of the D bales on my helmet and I wanted to know if they are real or fake. The heat stamp is 922F which puts this a month or more before D Day. Front seam. There is a very shallow dimple on each side, centered on the rim at each D bail. Myself and other people can see them and feel them but my camera doesn't pick them up very well. There is also a spot weld discoloration on each side on the rim edge, consistent with the dimples' location. There is no indication of a rectangular fixed bail or swivel bail previously installed. I'm looking for feedback on the information and pictures. Thanks Pictures of D bail and weld mark. Link to post Share on other sites
DTRSSS Posted June 9, 2017 Author Share #2 Posted June 9, 2017 Another POV and weld mark. Link to post Share on other sites
DTRSSS Posted June 9, 2017 Author Share #3 Posted June 9, 2017 Other weld mark . Link to post Share on other sites
DTRSSS Posted June 9, 2017 Author Share #4 Posted June 9, 2017 Last POV picture. Thank you Link to post Share on other sites
Justin Posted June 9, 2017 Share #5 Posted June 9, 2017 Fake imo. The feet are longer than any known original I know of. The straps are also reproduction. Whats the lot#? Link to post Share on other sites
just-a-good-ole-boy Posted June 9, 2017 Share #6 Posted June 9, 2017 Justin is correct. This is not an original M-2 D bail. The heat stamp is too late for these, and is actually for a swivel loop. The straps are reproduction as Justin stated, and the loops are all wrong. Steve Visit my website http://www.m1helmetdepot.com/ for Nice M-1 helmets and parts Link to post Share on other sites
DTRSSS Posted June 9, 2017 Author Share #7 Posted June 9, 2017 That is what I suspected. Thank you Link to post Share on other sites
Beau-Brummel Posted June 9, 2017 Share #8 Posted June 9, 2017 Yes, Justin's spot on. Link to post Share on other sites
268th C.A. Posted June 9, 2017 Share #9 Posted June 9, 2017 I was waiting on other opinions here. I felt the Webbing was bad, but I'm not good on D-Bails Pvt. James H. Honey 1st Md. Eastern shore Vol. Inf. Co. D (union) Gettysburg Pvt. George Eddie Lear 26th Inf. Co.H 1st Div .(WW1) P.H. WIA Cpl. Richard Elsea 268th C.A. Bn. Battery A. WW2 SSgt. Grant Elsea 314th Inf. Hq.Co. I.R.79thDiv. WW2 Cpl. Harry Lawrence Butler Jr 23rd Regt. WIA Korea Lt. George Olin Tilghman 111th MG. 29th Div. WW1 DIS France 1919 Link to post Share on other sites
Mr-X Posted June 9, 2017 Share #10 Posted June 9, 2017 Aside from the obvious which has already been mentioned, the wear on the straps is not consistent with the wear on the helmet. The straps are frayed but where is the grime, dirt, oil, fading and etc that would be on a chin strap where it meets the bails? Have a look at any comparable originally webbed M-1 and you'll see what I am talking about. Written contributor to French Militaria Magazine, UK World War II Re-enactors Magazine &The Karkee Web Research Team.Remembering the service of:9095 Pte Alfred Fredrick NEWLAND, 7th Field Ambulance, 2 Division, AIF. WIA 16/11/16 France.436 Private Albert McCANN, B Company 8th Battalion AIF. Enlisted 26/8/14. Killed in Action 17/6/15 Gallipoli.VX24056 Gunner George Edward McCANN, 2/3 Composite Anti Aircraft Regiment. Enlisted 7/6/40. Discharged 3/8/44. Served in Australia and New Guinea. Link to post Share on other sites
Easy502 Posted June 9, 2017 Share #12 Posted June 9, 2017 Definitely a fake !! www.dday-experience.com Link to post Share on other sites
Camaro69427 Posted June 9, 2017 Share #13 Posted June 9, 2017 I believe that is MIG welding wire next to the left post of the bail between the bail and the rim. Weren't these spot welded with a purpose built spot welder? If so, MIG wire would never be required with a spot welder. Aspiring Vietnam era gear collector!Juggling gear collecting and the restoration of a '77 Camaro is no fun. WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT!? ? Harry E Stevenson - 1943-1945 - US Army 165th Photo Signal Company Marlin Oscar Bobb - 1944-1946 - US Navy aboard the USS Boxer CV-21 Andrew Peter Bobb - 1968-1972 - US Navy aboard the USS Independence Link to post Share on other sites
jkash23686 Posted June 9, 2017 Share #14 Posted June 9, 2017 Fake those bails arent the right shape and that heat stamp is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY out of range for an M2. Link to post Share on other sites
Burning Hazard Posted June 9, 2017 Share #15 Posted June 9, 2017 Agreed with the others, bad fake with feet too long. Also, I believe original D-bails were made of manganese whereas this one looks like stainless steel (very shiny), some fakers catch on to this and corrode the bails but it's all in the feet. Link to post Share on other sites
Justin Posted June 10, 2017 Share #16 Posted June 10, 2017 Fake those bails arent the right shape and that heat stamp is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY out of range for an M2.whoops, didn't even notice the heat stamp was posted in the original post, yup that's way way too high. Link to post Share on other sites
DTRSSS Posted June 10, 2017 Author Share #17 Posted June 10, 2017 This has been a learning experience for me but I believe most I what I read here, I already knew based on research but it was good to hear it from knowledgeable people. Thank you so much for your help. I will be posting pictures and info for a glider helmet I have. I think this one has a very good chance of being original but it would be nice to hear from others to confirm. Thank you. Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now