Posted 8 years ago
kozowy1967
(25 items)
I was able to source and add an IDF Para helmet to add to my collection some time back and IMO is original and un-messed with .
The liner is un-marked so very probably of Israeli origin when compared to the other examples I have seen as is the khaki tan chinstrap/harness.
All though barely legible It is apparent by the one image that the helmet body has been modified with the addition of a thick crucifix style dome pad which has been riveted in place as was the practice of the time .
The helmet body IMO is an early British P pattern that has been converted from a Mk I HSAT as one can make out the double holes in the back of the helmet body from were the old harness bolts would have been attached . All the writing on the inside is in Hebrew, the name on the head band is Zacharia, the chin cup is interesting, the name is Sayeed (bottom) Abudis or Aburis (top), the middle I think is the abbreviation for 'Machlakah' which is 'section' looks like a 1 after it. It's interesting because it is an Arabic name, it's likely it was a Druze soldier as Israeli Arabs do not serve...but this is pure speculation.
Regards Mark
Very nice helmet. A classic of the period !
A real nice IDF example Mark and very interesting to note the differances between the British issue Hsat ,Can i ask is it likely the foam bump protection is locally made too ,interesting the liner bolts are slot less ,the mesh net cover and trim really do set this off well for display ,well done Mark
Morning R32 and Jimmy thanx for the interest and sorry for the late reply having some PC issues...James it is thought that the foam padding and that the dome bump pad have both been produced and or at the least added at a local level...
As to the liner band retention bolts they are in actuality a form of aluminium blind faced rivet that is thought to as wll been added at a local level as is the dome rivet that holds in the dome pad...
Regards Mark