Mango Posted September 5, 2019 Share #1 Posted September 5, 2019 Hi guys I recently got into collecting US militaria and wanted to join a forum that specialize in this field. For the past 20 years I have been collecting mainly German militaria but slowly my interests have moved towards Allied militaria and mainly US. I more or less collect helmets only and have a lot to learn, so please bear with me in the helmet section Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor996 Posted September 5, 2019 Share #2 Posted September 5, 2019 welcome to the forum. There is some great stuff here and plenty who help you to learn. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Jerry Posted September 5, 2019 Share #3 Posted September 5, 2019 Welcome! There are many of us here who collect on both sides - great to compare and contrast! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BILL THE PATCH Posted September 5, 2019 Share #4 Posted September 5, 2019 Welcome, lots of helmet gurus here, and very helpful. I suggest going over some old threads on helmets. Great reference. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted September 5, 2019 Share #5 Posted September 5, 2019 Welcome! US M1 helmets are a whole different ballgame than the German ones. One-size-fits-all, constant upgrades and refurbishments, and they stayed in service for 50 years. Know about the rim seam, the types and date ranges of the various chinstraps, and how to date a helmet liner. My guide for dating shells, feel free to ask me for clarification on any item. 1941-1944 sewn-on OD3 (khaki) web straps (WW2), front seam, fixed loops/bales/bails1944-1951 sewn-on OD7 (dark green) web straps (late WW2-Korea), rear seam, swivel loops/bales/bails 1951-1960 OD painted buckles attaching web straps (Korea-early Vietnam)1960-1973 black painted buckles attaching web straps (Vietnam era)1973-1990 angled clip-on nylon straps with snap-on chinstrap[i use 1990 as the end date because I wore one in basic training in 1990, but only saw Kevlars after 1990]These dates are when the styles changed, but earlier ones remained in the system. Conversely, a shell with angled clip-on straps was not used in that configuration PRIOR to 1973 even though the shell itself could have been produced during WW2 as shells were constantly repaired and repainted over the years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blacksmith Posted September 5, 2019 Share #6 Posted September 5, 2019 Welcome Mango - first order of business: Awesome avatar. I met Jeremy Bulloch many years ago - great guy. A path is worn in the grass between the US and German collecting camps, so you should be right at home here. As Bill mentions, the helmet reference section - and past topics - is a great place to start. May the force be with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mango Posted October 17, 2019 Author Share #7 Posted October 17, 2019 Thank you guys And to Blacksmith, you're a lucky guy! I still think Boba Fett deserved a better fate May the force be with you, always Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Backtheattack Posted October 17, 2019 Share #8 Posted October 17, 2019 Hello Mango, welcome to the forum! Helmets - all times, or something special? Modern Wars, WW1, WW2, Vietnam? Germany - West-Germany and DDR? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfantryCollector Posted December 19, 2019 Share #9 Posted December 19, 2019 A path is worn in the grass between the US and German collecting camps, so you should be right at home here. Haha, yup. Welcome aboard. I was posting the same intro here about 18 months ago. Best, John D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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