Yesterday's Weapons Forums

Italian tank corps helmets to be specific. Shown on the left is a 1964 model a lot of vendors are passing off as "world war two issue". Not! They have a natural leather headliner and are dated. This one is 1964. The new ones also have a ventilation screen on each side.

They make a good display, though so if you can get one for cheep, go for it. A friend who grew up in Italy in the 60s said Italian motorcycle police used this variety. I would imagine a few Vespa owners scooted around wearing one to protect the dome.

On the right is the real deal from 1938. Smaller and not as tall. No screen vents - just an open hole punched through the cork. - I think it's cork anyway.

The rear flap is of heavier leather. I think this was supposed to be protection from fragments flying around the turret after getting smacked by small arms fire.

I keep learning as I go. I'm not sorry I have the newer helmet as it will still go in a display with vintage goggles. SW

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Slava Ukraini!!

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....Naj puška govori!....
.............deplorable typical "bitter clinger"....

Not long ago, there was a leather coat Italian tankers were supposed to wear with the helmet shown at auction on fleabay. The tanks were often just riveted iron plates as opposed to steel, and when hit, frag would bounce around. The leather gear was supposed to intercept at least a portion of it.

But in the climate of the Libyan desert, one would look for about any excuse to shed the leather & go with cotton. Like these gents:




The coat went for over $500... beyond my budget. I have other tank pics in my file, and none of the crews are wearing the leather gear. The only pic I've seen of that is from the Time-Life WW2 series: War in the Desert.

Some of them have their tanks heavily sandbagged to help the thin armor. SW

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Slava Ukraini!!