Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic French made and supplied Modèle 1951 Helmet as used by the Israeli Defence Force. The Israeli Military were supplied by a few countries in the 1950's and 1960's. They wore a variety of helmets including the French supplied M51. The Israeli Army modified this helmet and others by installing a locally made liner and chinstrap, many were sand painted and burlap covers fitted.

The Modèle 1951 helmet was a military helmet used by the French military (Army, Navy, Air Force and Gendarmerie), iconic of the Algerian War. It replaced a variety of helmets used during the Second World War, including the Adrian helmet, Modèle 1945 helmet and American-supplied M1 Helmet. The Modèle 1951 was designed to have the same general shape as the US M1 Helmet, in an effort towards standardization within NATO. The two differ in that the M1 has a longer visor and a more pronounced downwards slope on the sides. The M1 also has a nape strap while the Modèle 1951 does not.

The Modèle 1951 comprised a heavy external cover, made of 1.2 mm of a nonmagnetic alloy of manganese steel, and a lighter inner helmet, though this one was modified by Israel. Instead of an inner “helmet”, this liner was removed and replaced with an Israeli made one. As explained, these were “locally” made liners and chinstraps that were fitted to the M51 helmets. The liner and chinstrap on this example is in wonderful condition and does show honest, faithful wear.

The Modèle 1951 was produced until 1976, before being superseded by the Modèle 1978 helmet. It nonetheless remained in service well into the 1980s.

This is an excellent opportunity to add a rather rare Israeli modified French M51 helmet to your collection. Comes more than ready for further research and display.