T56-6 CVC Helmet — Rare First Version

[Guy56]

The T56-6 is rather common, but the first version of the T56-6 combat vehicle crewman’s helmet are very rare. Mine is nearly complete, except for missing ear phones (what a shame). The characteristics of the first version which I call Variant A, T56-6 CVC helmets are

• MK-400/G or MK-401/G on switch box 
• M-51/UR microphone,
• MT-521A/U wire microphone boom,
•  low-profile asymmetric switch box,
•  some have no drawstring to retract the right earpad, 
• communications wire attached with a metal bracket to the shell’s rear, and
• earphone wires penetrate though a hole in the shell’s lower left rear. 

 

Even though you can’t read the manufacturer’s stamp, my example is a size regular. The MK-400/G headset-microphone switch boxes were contoured for regular-size helmet shells, whereas the MK-401/G switch boxes were contoured for large shells. Two other features of my example is a very rough-textured shell exterior and a light colored Ensolite lining the shell’s interior. It is also missing the drawstring to retract the right earpad. 
 

I’m curious if anyone else out there has a T56-6 Variant A. If yes, please post photos.