Army Steel Combat Helmet Chin Ties...

[MikeB]

I have seen a number of reproduction chin tie straps offered for sale. Does anyone know where I can get a vintage chin strap for my army helmet? Mike

[Dean Brock]

Good Luck

[MikeB]

Army Steel....

Roger that Dean. That's not a good sign.... Did the civilian helmets use the same kind of straps as the regular military?

[Banzi64]

nope ....at the front offers a nice chinstrap you probably couldn't tell from original correct weave and thickness

[cbuehler]

I cant recall ever seeing a complete original set of straps with their split rings for sale. Once saw a complete liner with straps however and it was expensive as I recall.
They are in 3 pieces, 1 long, 1 shorter and the rear loop along with the 4 split rings for attachment.
I have occaisionally seen individual pieces of the above parts available, but even those are tough. But you never know what might show up someday.

CB

[Jareth]

Your best bet is buying a shell sans liner but with straps/rings. Then the real fun begins as you try & get those rings out!

[MikeB]

Army Steel....

Oh Boy! Sounds like this could be more than I bargained for.... Mike

[Banzi64]

I bought a complete set of original straps back in 95 for 50.00 thats is the last I have seen of any you should really check out at the front you won't be able to tell them from originals

[John Gordon]

I have purchased a set of At The Front straps and they are very good although of corse new and fresh smelling!. Only problem is that you only receive 2 split rings not 3 . I wrote to the seller who refused to send another. I have tried at hardware stores to match the size of the ring without success. However, I discovered that the Maglite torch ( a USA manufactured item) has a small key ring version and the ring on the end is approximately the same size. Someone mentioned the challenge of fitting the straps to the rings - I will second that! Does anyone have an easy way (eg fit straps to ring first then fit to helmet or vice versa?)

regards,

John

[MikeB]

Army Steel...

It looks like At The Front is the place unless something else magically appears. Thanks guys for the lead on this. Mike

[Jareth]

I learned early on to only buy complete helmets. It's just to much trouble to restore & replace Japanese chinstraps. Wish they were as easy as German but with them you never can tell if they are changed. I have a rare splotch painted Japanese camo helmet without straps & it's staying that way!

[MikeB]

Army Steel....

That sounds like an interesting camo helmet Jareth. Have you posted images of it here before? Mike

[Jareth]

Mike, I believe it was posted before on a camo helmet discussion. Perhaps you can pull it up with a search.

[MikeB]

Army Steel....

Thanks Jareth. I can't say I have seen too many Japanese camo. helmets. I'll check the "search" section.... Mike

[Gunbunny]

I bought a replica chinstrap off eBay minus the rings and it looks pretty good. As I recall another eBay seller in Canada was selling nice ones complete with the rings and they showed up in more than one auction. I would advise making regular checks on eBay. Maybe they will show up again.