French Army M51 Helmet

During the Post-War period, France copied and adapted a lot of American uniform and equipment designs which resulted in this, the Modēle 1951 Helmet. Based on the U.S. M1, it saw service well into the 1980’s. These helmets are sometimes called the OTAN which is simply French for NATO ie.”Organisation du Traite de l’Atlantique Nord”. This early example is in mint unissued condition with swivel bales, khaki webbing, 1953 dated shell and 1955 dated liner (note-shells and liners never date matched as they were made by different companies and assembled as needed at depots)