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#5 and 5A experimental WW1 helmets


robinb
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Went to the ASMIC show today and scored a US experimental helmet Number 5 to go along with my Number 5A. The differences are slight. The Number 5 is 3/8" wider and longer than the Number 5A, and the chinstrap on the 5A is leather instead of fabric. Number 5 is on the right.

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16 minutes ago, mdk0911 said:

very cool lids - can see the similarity to a German Stalhelm.

 

To be honest, I see more similarity with Darth Vaders helmet ;) 

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On 9/13/2022 at 2:08 PM, Paul Reijnders said:

Hello Robinb,

 

Both helmets are model 5

 

Regards, Paul

 

 If that is the case, then what is a Model-5A type helmet? if these are technically both a Model-5.

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The op shows a Model 5 and what could be a Model 5a.  I can't see quite enough of the side profile to tell for sure.

 

In order to reduce the similarity to the German m16, a small number of Model 5 helmets were modified by trimming the brim to a new contour and applying new rim edging.  The modified version was known as the Model 5a, and can be seen on the frontispiece of Bashford Dean's Helmets And Body Armor In Modern Warfare.

 

Similar modifications were made to the Model 2, which was known as the Model 2a.

 

In 1920, the Model 5 and 5a were mislabeled as Model 2 and 2a by the Infantry Board.  The Model 2 and 2a were mislabeled as Model 5 and 5a.  The error was noted by the Ordnance Department, but they made no effort to correct it, and the change in designation became permanent.

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