Field altered original helmets

[HowardC]

If everyone can indulge me on this, I would greatly appreciate it. I wanted to see how many of us had helmets that were found altered or customized by the soldier wearing it. I have seen some interesting examples of the way a soldier will do something to his helmet to either make it more interesting or more comfortable. So if anyone has some pics or some examples in hand of unusual customization direct from the battlefield, please post it. I will start off with this M42 I own direct from the US veteran. It appears the german wanted a more padded liner and a more secure chin strap. The liner is a little baffling but the chin strap appears to be from a US Para helmet. Thanks in advance for participating. Maybe this guy was a motorcycle rider??

[HowardC]

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[Tom Kibler]

The chinstrap is not from a para helmet I believe it's from a naval "talker" helmet. I'm thinking (unless there's some provenance), that it was altered by a biker.

I've seen altered helmets, but usually by resizing it through the use of newspaper, etc....

Just my thoughts...

[HowardC]

altered helmet

Thanks Tom. That is an interesting theory I had never considered. I had gotten this from the vet who had the helmet plus some other items but reflecting back I had no sense of any other possibilies. He had no childen or any source I can remember that would put this thing with a biker. Interesting, but I guess anything is possible.

[RonR]

Howard,

Very interesting helmet.

Tom is right, the chinstrap is from a Navy "Talker" helmet............


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[RonR]

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[RonR]

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[HowardC]

Altered helmet

Thank you Ron, beautiful example. I am still scratching my head on how the helmet ended up that way but I could be scratching a long time I suppose.

[barmyarmy]

Great navy talker helmet, I would like to get one of those