I have three M16 helmets and I have noticed one of them has slightly different lugs. Two of the examples I have have a single lug on each side. One of my examples has a smaller lug almost telescoping out of a larger one. What's the deal here? Here is a picture of the single lug set up.
-
-
Here is a picture of the lug that is made up of two pieces. As you can see there is a difference. -
An indictor of size. The top helmet is a size 66 or 68, and I would guess the bottom to be a 62 or 64. Check the maker and size stamps inside left near the M91 chinstrap lug.
ChuckComment
-
Here's a photo from Baer's book.Comment
-
I just checked all three helmets. The one with the touches of gold paint with just one lug says SL66. The other one I showed is an SL62, and is a smaller helmet side by side. My other one, a camo not shown here says TJ68. Does this sound like the makers? SL and TJ?
I read that the difference was in order to make those front helmet protection plates fit even on the smaller helmets. True?Comment
-
Yes Steve,
TJ is the maker. (C.Thiel & Sohne,- Lubeck.)
SL? are you sure its not Si (Eisenhuttenwek Schlesien)
That,s correct on the frontal plate.
Eric.Comment
-
Yes I believe the maker is Si. I thought it was S1 at first but settled on SL at a quick glance. I never used a loup. I did not know what I was looking for either.Originally posted by 704hoss55 View PostComment
-
The various lugs supported the frontal panzer armor plate and were different depending on size of the helmet to accomidate the same size plate for differing size helmets.
Collectors now days can ID them by size if you know the lugs well.
W.Comment
Comment