Tag Archives: World War Two

Japanese IJA “Cherry Blossom”*

General Information: The Japanese “Cherry Blossom” helmet was what the Japanese soldiers wore when they invaded China in 1931. It was an improvement over the very limited production earlier model which is referred to by collectors as the “Star Vent” or “Model 1918” helmet, although it apparently never had an official designation. The earlier helmetContinue reading “Japanese IJA “Cherry Blossom”*”

Japanese M41 Paratrooper*

General Information: The Imperial Japanese Army fielded a small number of airborne units during the Second World War. At the end of 1944 these units were consolidated to form the First Raiding Group (Dai 1 Teishin Shudan) which had a strength of approximately 12,000 men.[1] IJA paratroopers were equipped with the Model 1941 helmet. ThereContinue reading “Japanese M41 Paratrooper*”

US M-1 Swivel Bale*

General Information: Starting in October 1943 the M-1 helmets were equipped with flexible chinstrap loops. This was to address the tendency of the fixed chinstrap loops to break. As with the earlier M-1s web chinstraps were sewn to the chinstrap loops. Post-war the helmets were furnished with chinstraps that were removable rather than sewn. CollectorsContinue reading “US M-1 Swivel Bale*”

Danish M23/38*

General Information: The Danish Model 1923 is the most unique, and to some, the strangest looking combat helmet of the Second World War. No other country used a helmet like this. All of the M23 helmets were fitted with a Danish national coat of arms made of oxidized brass. The ostensible reason for the badge,Continue reading “Danish M23/38*”

Finnish/KuK M17*

General Information: The German WWI style helmets were the main type used by the Finnish army in the 1920s and 30s and through the First Winter War. After this period a surprising variety of other helmets were secured, but the German WWI models continued to be used throughout the war and into the post-war periodContinue reading “Finnish/KuK M17*”

Yugoslavian M23*

General Information: The Model 1923 French helmets exported to Yugoslavia were distinct from the M23 helmets produced for the French army in the interwar years.  Like the Spanish export French M26s they were made with inferior non-manganese, magnetic steel.  The export M23s also had a rolled rim, rather than a separate rim piece welded toContinue reading “Yugoslavian M23*”