Hi yall, I have been away for awhile. I just recently got back into collecting M1 helmets because I now have some space and decent display cases for them. I recently purchased what was advertised as a Vietnam war era helmet and liner on Ebay. The only pics the seller had was of the liner inside of the shell with a Mitchell cover. No pics of the shell by itself. Everything looked correct and I got a really good deal. When I got it everything was period correct. The Mitchell cover, the liner, the sweatband, the suspension and straps all were indicative of a complete early to mid 70's Vietnam war helmet. Nothing real exciting for a hardcore collector but cool to add into my collection. When I pulled out the pot for inspection I was surprised to first see a front seam. When I peeled the cover off it was like pulling apart Velcro. It felt like it had been on the pot for a really long time. Examining the color and condition of the helmet my first impression was that it had to be a repro or a foreign clone of some kind. The condition was amazing. Cork texture, no dents or damage of any kind and great paint. A little rust around the inside rim was about it. Being that I was sure this couldn't possibly be the real thing I put some citri-strip on the rim and was able to find a heat stamp of "99" and a letter of some type. If it is a genuine WW2 M1, I have never owned one in such great condition and I got the deal of the century. I have attached some pics, if anyone has any insight please let me know. To me it appears to be the real deal but I am still having a hard time wrapping my head around it. Thanks!!!! 

The Skull & Cross bones can be attributed to several Groups in the South West Pacific Area during 1943 - 1945 and can be easily identified through out the visual recorded history of combat, its units and its conflicts - spanning 1000's of years of history.    This motif was widely used within the 312th Bomb Group and its Squadrons found on the nose of its A-20's. This example was taken from the lower camera/gunner hatch from a leading A-20.   The white tale band, a formation marking -  is visible across the lower portion of the vertical stabilizer.   Additionally the vertical white stripes on both wings just beyond the engine cowlings is actually white electric tape, keeping water out of electrical components housed in the wings. A number two can be made out above the right rudder band, that could make the serial dentification one of several dozen possibilities.   The close up of the nose also reveals the first two of six 50 caliber machine guns protruding through the eyes. photo from Nathan D. Adler Collection.

pretty cool find!

those are some awesome finds! i really like the gettysburg display.

i dont know what that means, but nice find!

Here is a much different perspective.  When would a Soldier,  Sailor,  Marine fall into formation in dress uniform with tarnished medals? Would not happen. Uniforms are meant to be crisp and clean.  Antique silver and brass items get polished and maintain value.  Points to ponder from the perspective of a retired Soldier. 

Great Wing !

The canteen pouch on your right side is an M-1967 MLCE. However not uncommon for soldiers in this time period to be issued M-1956, M-1967 & ALICE items. 

Thought this would be a useful addition to this thread:  A side-by-side comparison of the two known sizes of E.A. Dreher and Sons' Reserve Military Aviator badges:     Although dwarfed by its oversized sibling, the smaller badge is nonetheless full size; measuring in at a regulation 3-inches.  In scale and proportion, it is also similar to badges made by William Link, N.S.Meyer/I. Scheuer, and Robbins.     Although difficult to see in the photo, the smaller badge bears the same E.A. Dreher and Sons, Newark, NJ and STERLING hallmarks (lightly stamped) as its larger sibling.  Construction is also identical:  Three separately cast and polished pieces silver soldered together at the shield.  The gold, gothic US is itself slightly smaller than the version used on the larger badge.   At some point, likely acquiescing to pressure from military leadership, WW1 era wing makers like Dreher began producing some regulation-sized badges alongside more popular, flashier, larger-sized wings.  Evidently, owing to their scarcity, these smaller badges were not received as favorably by the aviators.  

@Teamski was spot on here.   A fantastic example @Championhilz!   This is A-20G-25 SERIAL #43-9134 SHAG ON  Tale Letter N and was assigned to 2nd Lt. M.D. Gentry of the 312th Bomb Group, 386th Bomb Squadron.  In October of 44 the plane was transferred to CRTC (Combat Replacement Training Center) at Nadzab, New Guinea.   It was lost on a mission to Wewak, 9 Feb 45. Several examples exist in Rampage of The Roarin' 20's International Historical Research Associates.   *Note that further examination of the completed score board missions shows the familiar 386th  ♣️(club) insignia atop each bomb instead of the typical star.        Records show a 1st Lt. John L. Goodman as in Intelligence Officer with the 386th   Records show a Sgt. Ted Pojasek with the 386th Bomb Squadron ( Most Likely Assistant Crew Chief ) on SHAG ON   Records show a Master Sgt. Donald M. Fry  - He was the Crew Chief on SHAG ON   Records show a Lt. Henry K. Brand - 312th Bomb Group Photo Officer