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MULTI-NATIONAL STEEL POT COLLECTION

   Reuben collected a representative "pot" from each of the three primary armies engaged in the conflict.

GERMAN

   At left-rear is a German helmet – a.k.a. the ‘coal scuttle’ - with its characteristic gull wing shape as the protective cover dipped down to ear level.  The M1935 design helmet evolved several times throughout World War II based on wartime production needs. Each modification resulted in a slightly newer variation although each held the same basic design. At least three models were manufactured exclusively for combat; the M1935, M1940, and M1942. Each helmet was designated by its year of introduction1. All three versions of this helmet were worn throughout World War II.  It is not known which specific model is pictured here.

AMERICAN

   At right-rear is a U.S. helmet with its slight visor at front and a lip funning around its base.  The visor and lip may have been designed to keep rain from dripping directly intro a man's face and down his neck. The now famous M1 "steel pot" helmet was adopted in 1941 to replace the M1917/ M1917A1 helmet, which remained largely unchanged since the First World War. The M1 offered much greater protection over the earlier helmet by extending down to cover the sides and back of the wearer’s head.

   Besides being a highly successful helmet design, the M1 was found to be useful for many other tasks as well. The ever-resourceful G.I. put it to use as a cooking and water-boiling pot, an impromptu entrenching tool, a hammer for pounding tent stakes, and even a handy latrine.

BRITISH

   In the forefront is a British helmet that has a distinctly lower profile than either of the other two.  Known as the Brodie helmet as well as the shrapnel helmet or Tommy helmet, and in the United States, as a doughboy helmet, it was a steel helmet designed and patented in 1915 by John L. Brodie.  It was a design that grew from concern over the high number of head wounds inflicted by shrapnel in WW-I, especially shrapnel that fell from above.  This helmet was intended to provide protection more from that hazard rather than from bullets.  The Brodie pattern continued to be used (as the slightly modified Mark II) by the British and Commonwealth forces throughout World War II.

(Photo courtesy Jumpmaster)

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