Has anyone ever seen anything like this? M35 shell has been repainted in rough textured paint, inside and out. One decal can be seen underneath the paint. The normal liner has been replaced with a simplified metal band which has been riveted in. Externally, the pins look normal. It has a WWI style leather liner. I see no provision for attaching a chinstrap. Is this some sort of last ditch setup?
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Are those leather pads original Mike? At first blush this looks like some postwar put together job inside and out.Comment
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It seems that the rough textured paint was added whilst another liner system was in place.Comment
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I think it looks like a pretty standard reissue M35 apart from the liner and pins.Originally posted by 90 Mustang 5.0 View Post
Edit: I thought you said "It seems strange that the rough textured paint was added whilst another liner system was in place."
I think I might need glasses.....Comment
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Mike:
The liner is from a Polish Wz31 helmet; the standard helmet used by the Polish army until 1939. Actually, it's quite a rare liner.
There are no chinstrap provisions because the Polish Wz31 had chinstrap bales attached to the helmet shell.
Even the leather strap used as a drawstring is typical of those seen in Polish helmets.
It does appear the the helmet was re-painted while a German M31 liner system was in place. I don't believe that the Germans put this liner in but who can say for sure?
KenComment
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Thanks for the prompt feedback gents. Has anyone seen anything like this before or is it more of a one off? The riveted in bands don't seem like something I'd expect to see done by a collector.Comment
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The rivets themselves are probably your best friend in determining when the rig was installed. Do they look old? We'll probably never know...Comment
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What is the possibility that this is some sort of last ditch setup? Volkssturm, etc.? Would close ups of the rivets and pins be of any value?Comment
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