The first model BGS Helmet

[Bernhard]

Fellow Collectors ,


This time I would like to show you the first BGS helmet model and two of it´s successors.

The first helmet is a WWII vintage Q64 shell with quite a low lot number of
117.
When the BGS was formed in 1951 the german industrie did not (yet) produce any helmets , therefore old stocks of WH helmet shells were used as a basis for the first model BGS helmet.

The story goes that helmet shells were even scrounged from the scrap metal yard.

Here a very familiar sight to many collectors : the silhouette of a M 40 Quist
64 shell :

[Bernhard]

As you can see the liner is a very interresting design , having elements of the old M31 liner system as well as the simple arangement of webstraps we all know from the US M1 liner.

[Bernhard]

The whole system looks like "Ersatz" and feels also a little bit cheesy.

[Bernhard]

The liner system is adjustable to different head sizes :

[Bernhard]

Pic of the adjustment feature on the liner band:

[Bernhard]

The chinstrap looks exactly like the WH model.
Has even 13 holes !!
No stamps that I could find.

[Bernhard]

Chin strap is fixed with bales that are spotwelded onto the shell , just the way you will find them on M1 US helmet with fixed bales:

[Bernhard]

Split pin detail without washers.
No stampings found .

[Bernhard]

Maker´s mark : Q 64

[Bernhard]

Lot number in the rear apron of the helmet:

[Bernhard]

Here we have a BGS helmet that has been made with M40 style ventilation and a one screw mounted interior:

[Bernhard]

Profile of the same helmet:

[Bernhard]

Liner shot of same helmet , showing the I 53 Innenaustattung mounted in the dome with one screw:

[Bernhard]

Maker`s mark in the rear apron shows the Linnemann und Schnetzer LS logo and the shell size 64.

[Bernhard]

Chinstrap showing great resemblance to the WH design: