M-33 Italian Helmet Identification?

[Grabenkater]

Is there an easy way to identify a WW2 Italian helmet from a post-war model?

[Raffaello Carola]

Hello,

unfortunately is not easy, the helmet model 33 posawar was used in last
years 80' the difference is the chin-strap in khaki webbing (WWII in green leather)
and the marking inside, the liner in brown leather postwar have only some little difference.
regards
Raffaello

[mr_helmet]

Is there an easy way to identify a WW2 Italian helmet from a post-war model?

Hello Grabenkater,
it's very easy identify a WWII italian helmet (mod. 33) from a post war helmet (age "50/"60).

The main differences are (w=war - pw= post-war):

- the shape of the helmet, often more flared in pw;
- the paint, grey-green w - olive drab pw;
- the vent lugs, different shape;
- the liner, different leather, felt and seams;
- the chinstrap, grey-green leather w - khaki webbing pw;
- the chinstrap ring, rectangular w - trapezoidal pw.

Many mod. 33 helmets were reused after the war, so you can find mod. 33 helmets with some post-war fittings, but at last it's very easy differentiate an helmet produced in the war period from an helmet produced in the age 50"/60" and after.

[Paolo Marzetti]

I've troubles with the images in my PC right now.I'll try to post some explicative
pics in the next few days.Bye PaoloM

[Grabenkater]

looks like I have a post war helmet!!!!

[mr_helmet]

looks like I have a post war helmet!!!!

It's more easy if you show "him"......if you post some photos I can say you if it's a WWII helmet or if it's a post-war one .........

[ROBB]

Here is your typical post war helmet often being sold as ww2 (as is this one currently on ebay ) Rob

[ROBB]

liner with web strap .

[Paolo Marzetti]

I've troubles with the images in my PC right now.I'll try to post some explicative
pics in the next few days.Bye PaoloM

For an Italian collector it's very easy to classify a wartime M.33 from a postwar
one.However here below two specimen of Italian postwar helmets in the latest versions(photo courtesy of the common friend Piesse):







...... PaoloM

[Paolo Marzetti]

liners:




...... PaoloM

[Paolo Marzetti]

And here some particulars of the 'D' rectangular and trapezoidal rings.They're
larger than the WWII ones, to support a larger khaki canvas chin-strap with
sliding buckle:


...... PaoloM

[Paolo Marzetti]

And particulars of the sliding buckle of the chin-strap:


and of the typical post WWII vent hole,more domed:


Here below, two pre and wartime vent holes you can find on WWII M.33 versions:
less common
more common

Bye, Paolo M

[lilycollins]

I am not very familiar with this distinction but personally, I have observed that the most recognizable feature is that the shape of the helmet is often more flared than in the pw. I hope to get more answers from you. Thank you very much. bitlife