WW2 M-1938 Tanker Helmet

[Squale69]

Hello,

 

I would like your feedback on this US M-1938 Tanker Helmet.

Rawlings Manufacturing.

What to think of this complete brown painting ? special unit at that time ? Post-war helmet reuse ?

 

Thank you.

P.A

[LarryM3]

Nice helmet, the brown color is rather unique. In my personal collection I have M38's painted red, blue, black, gray, and maroon. I have no concrete data on why these tanker helmets were painted only word of mouth. I do know some were painted to distinguish a unit commander from his men, an identification method. I know were used to signify certain specialty personnel such as range or safety officers. I suspect some were used by armor school cadre and some were simply personal whimsy. Wish I had better information for you but this is all I got lol.

 

Larry

[Squale69]

Hello Larry !

 

Thank you for your feed-back ! and sorry for the delay to answer...

 

I didn't know there was so many painting color options for the M38 helmets... interesting !

 

Pascal.

[101STCOLLECTOR]

On 2/9/2022 at 1:32 AM, LarryM3 said:

Nice helmet, the brown color is rather unique. In my personal collection I have M38's painted red, blue, black, gray, and maroon. I have no concrete data on why these tanker helmets were painted only word of mouth. I do know some were painted to distinguish a unit commander from his men, an identification method. I know were used to signify certain specialty personnel such as range or safety officers. I suspect some were used by armor school cadre and some were simply personal whimsy. Wish I had better information for you but this is all I got lol.

 

Larry

Hi Larry.... can you please post a red one? 

[1ryguy89]

Could have been wartime or postwar sports usage. I've heard of tanker helmets being repurposed postwar as football helmets.