U.S. M2 82nd Airbourne “Mickey Mouse Camo” w/Inland Jump Liner
$560.00
US M2 82nd Airbourne Mickey Mouse camo restoration. Helmet comes fit with an original rebuild Inland jump liner. Lots of neat details including original A washers in the liner. Helmet has been distressed to look original.
Description
This restoration was based on helmets worn by members of the U.S. 82nd Airbourne during Operation Huskey and after. The helmet used here is an original front seam fixed bale made by McCord Radiator in 1942. At some point the chinstrap bales had broken off. As part of the restoration process new D loops were spot welded onto the helmet to covert the shell into a paratrooper helmet.
The helmet was fully stripped of all layers of post-war paint then repainted the correct shade of olive drab. The paint is textured with pulverized cork. A camouflage pattern was then brushed on. The pattern here is often called Mickey Mouse camo and was applied with a mustard yellow vesicant paint. This practice was common in the 82nd but seen elsewhere as well.
The helmet comes with a real Inland liner. The liner has been rebuilt with new webbing, A yokes and snaps. This is the early version with the folded ear neck band, nickel plated snaps and a flat flip cam buckle on the chinstrap.
The helmet has been heavily aged to look can feel like a true battle hardened original. Lots of scuff, scraps and dents. The cork finish has worn down to a smooth patina as you’d expect from years of handing wear. This helmet is a must have for any WWII Italian front enthusiast.