Israeli m1 helmet copy with 3 point chinstrap

The Israeli copy of the M1 helmet first saw service during the Six Day War in 1967, gradually phasing out the modified M51 and M1 helmets explained in a previous page. It sports a 3 point chinstrap that is obviously inspired from British paratrooper helmets from WW2, and an Israeli made liner that copies the US M1 helmet liners from the Vietnam war era. When compared side by side to a US M1 helmet, the shape and height of the Israeli M1 copy is significantly different. While this helmet is supposed to be entirely produced by Israel, some of the earliest ones produced were actually US made M1 helmets modified with the 3 point chinstrap. The Israeli M1 copy is commonly seen outfitted with an Israeli mesh net, an inner tube band, and/or a burlap cover. Lastly, this helmet was phased out by the M76 Orlite ballistic helmet in the early 1980's.

The date of manufacture can be found on the Israeli manufacturing stamp on the brim of the liner, under the brim of the helmet shell, and located on a section of the chinstrap. It should be next to the Israeli "zahal" military property mark in the form of 2 numbers for the helmet liner and shell, or written fully on the helmet chinstrap.

This particular Israeli 3 point M1 helmet clone is one of the early versions which used surplus American made M1 helmets and converted them into ones with the 3 point chinstrap. This is evident by the helmet having a front seam or a heat stamp inside the helmet and remnants of the American chinstrap bails which were removed. The easiest way to tell, is if the helmet lacks an Israeli manufacturing mark under the brim of the helmet shell identical to the one molded on the Israeli made helmet liner. (see picture #5)