Description

A USM2 D-Bale paratrooper jump helmet of the « 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment / 101st Airborne ». The helmet is a factory made USM2 « D-Bale ». Shell is marked along the interior « 224B ». The helmet's exterior features the vast majority of factory applied OD green finish. Each side of the helmet retains its period painted heart emblem. The « tick » positioned at three o'clock on the right side of the helmet corresponds to the 1st Battalion, the one on the left side is positioned at nine o'clock, corresponding to the 3rd Battalion. This is a frequently encountered error between these two Battalions when applying markings. The large heart variant more likely identifies a parachutist from the 1st Battalion. Of interesting note is a some sections of now absent medical tape to hold even more firmly the liner to the helmet. The factory bales are intact, they have been period repaired. The original chinstraps have been period reinforced with another brown thread. The former name of the soldier along the front has also been scratched off. The liner is a textbook Inland paratrooper helmet liner. A well lived in example and the one that has been with this « D-Bale » since its assembly. Its exterior matches nicely with the shell and also has the name but also a rank scratched off the front in matching order. The paint is matte in feel and typical OD green color. Normal amount of wear and tear are present. The interior is nicely lived in and shows good period use. Liner webbing system is complete. Soiled and stained but all present with areas of dust, dirt and debris present. The « A-Yokes » straps are present and complete with the correct metal hardware. Leather chin cup is present. Leather chinstrap is the early type with green painted hardware. Although it remains unnamed its an excellent example that would have seen use in « D-Day » with the Invasion of France followed by combat in « Market Garden / Holland ». Extremely rare complete M2 airborne helmet, rarely offered on the public market !