M-76 Thetford Moulded Lightweight Parachute Helmet.

[Mark K]

A fairly recent acquisition and one I had been wanting to add to my collection was this Thetford Moulded Lightweight Parachute Helmet.
I do believe this example to be the early production model as it is sporting a smooth surface to the exterior of the helmet body ( which interestingly enough has been camo over painted with black splotches ) and has the earlier bare metal uncoated liner retention bolts and has been fitted with the second variation three point harness. Upon inspection it has become clear that the cork infill's in the side of the helmet have been broken away as per design to accommodate earphones .I have not as of yet removed the inner expanded polystyrene to check to see if the paper Thetford label is still present.

Regards Mark

[Guest Fred Karno's Army]

Haven't seen one of these in years,that's in really nice condition.

[Mark K]

The earliest example sporting a full on harness as seen in the image below would have been used about the time of the war in the Falkland Islands still eludes me and are quite scarce on the ground ... 

Regards Mark

[Guest Fred Karno's Army]

WOW  !,never even seen one of those !.

[Mark K]

This type of harness as mentioned is quite rare as is another example very similar that is modelled in a light grey that was used in Northern Ireland...  And when encountered in the marketplace tend to sell for rather silly money you you may find this link interesting. ..

Regards Mark

http://www.gostak.co.uk/composites/uk/

Edited April 7, 2016 by Mark K