A while back Willard gave me an old German helmet. Size E64.
It didn't fit right, so I put it on the back burner and was saving it for some time when my muse told me to use it in a pic with one of the Finnish rifles.
I noticed it sitting there and decided to figure out why it didn't fit.
First off, this is not the Great War correct suspension system.
It's obviously be refurbished during its long life, but by whom and how recently? I dunno.
I suspect very recently because that leather is unworn.
When they updated the suspension, they updated the chin strap too. The original strap had metal loops that hooked over lugs down near the edge.
The reason it didn't fit was someone putting a band of 1/8" thick foam tape around the inside of the liner.
I removed it and then adjusted the laces and now it fits like it should!
I am ready for the Somme!
NOT!
Update:
It weighs 2.9 lb. and should be good for DR 6 to the skull.
What, no pickel haube?
ReplyDeleteIn the context of Finnish rifles I'd say ready to take on red guards or report for Suojeluskunta drill. IIRC the M1916 was mostly retired by the Winter War
ReplyDeleteThose helmets were masterpieces of engineering, IMO. Note how the front rim slants upward just enough to make rain slide down the sides?
ReplyDelete