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THE AMERICAN HEAD GEAR OF WWII - The field gear used by the armed forces during WWII saw several advancements in its design and functionality. At the start of the war the US armed forces were poorly prepared. Much of the equipment was WWI vintage, cumbersome to use and more fitting for a horse mounted army than a mechanized unit.
American inginuity at work produced new materials and designs. Items such as camouflaged backpacks and waterproofing were introduced. Newer and better radio equipment was also employed. Experimental plastic canteens and paratrooper gear were also developed.

This page is dedicated to the study of some of the field gear from the period. Information provided allows the user to identify WWII US gear and find out the value of the collectables. Helping to answer two fundamental questions: What do I have? and How much is it worth?

This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of MilitaryItems.com, a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.


WWII US MILITARY HELMETS
The primary helmet employed by the American Forces during World War Two was the M-1 helmet. Other specialized helmets were used by the Army Air Force and the Navy. However, these helmets were not widely distributed.



WWII US ARMY M-1 PARADE HELMET - This is an M-1 helmet shell that has been chromed. Most famously worn by George Patton. The main purpose of this helmet was to be used in parades.


WWII US M-1 HELMET - This is an M-1 helmet. The standard helmet issued to US soldiers from all branches during WWII. Helmet shell and liner are present.


WWII US M-1 COLONEL HELMET - This is an interesting M-1 helmet with a colonel insignia applied to the shell and liner. Chin strap for both pieces are present.


WWII US NAVY FLAK HELMET - Of oversized construction. A molded liner is found on the inside. The design permitted the sailor to wear headphones with the helmet. main body is painted Gray.




WWII US ARMY AIR FORCE FLAK HELMET - of metal construction. Large concave attachments are hinged to each side of the helmet. This feature allowed the person to wear headphones with the helmet.


WWII US ARMY M-1 MP HELMET - This is an M-1 helmet with the letters MP written in white. A broken white stripe is also applied around the main body. Canvis chin strap is present.


WWII USMC CAMOUFLAGED M-1 HELMET - This is an M-1 helmet with the reversible camouflage cover. Canvis and leather chin straps are present. The cover has an EGA stamped with black ink.


WWII US PILOT LEATHER HELMET - This was the standard helmet issued to pilots during WWII. Leather construction did not provide much protection. Speakers were located in the ear section. Wires for communication are shown here.




WWII US NAVY FLAK HELMET - Oversized design allows for the sailor to wear headphones under the helmet. Gray color with large USN letters painted in white.


EARLY WWII M-1 FIXED BAIL HELMET - This is an early war shell and liner. The shell has fixed bail. Complete with the canvis chin strap. The liner has the front eyelet. A tubular line can be seen. That is a characteristic found in early war pieces.


FUTURE - WWII HELMET - This is a


FUTURE - WWII HELMET - This is a





WWII US MILITARY FIELD HATS
The primary helmet employed by the American Forces during World War Two was the M-1 helmet. Other specialized helmets were used by the Army Air Force and the Navy. However, these helmets were not widely distributed.



WWII US ARMY WINTER PYLE HAT - This is an extreme cold weather winter hat. Covered with a furry matrial known as pyle. Extra protection is added to the ears and back of neck.


WWII US RADIO OPERATOR HEADPHONES - General purpose radio headphones. Usually associated with use by aircraft pilots and personnel. Brown leather covered uppers.


WWII US NAVY UTILITY HAT - Dark blue wool construction with a darker blue tally placed at mid body. The tally reds "US Navy" in gold letters.


WWII US ARMY WINTER FIELD CAP - This is a heavy duty cotton cap. Extra material has been added to protect the ears and the back of the neck. A buckle secures the extra meterial to the front.




WWII US ARMY WINTER FIELD CAP - Of heavy duty construction. Light Olive Drab color. Straps are secured to the front via the use of a metal buckle. When release the material covers the ears.


WWII US NAVY FIELD HAT - Known as the Donald Duck hat. Of dark blue wool construction. A tally goes through the main body and has US Navy written in gold letters.




WWII USMC M-1 HELMET CAMOUFLAGED COVER - Of heavy duty cotton construction. Reversible camouflage with green and brown patterns. Issued to US Marine Corps troops for use in the South Pacific.


WWII USMC MOSQUITO CAMO VEIL - This is a veil that was used by the US Marine Corps in tropical areas such as the South Pacific. It is often confused with a sniper vail. This is not correct.


WWII USMC MOSQUITO NETTING COVER - This is another example of a US Marine Corps mosquito netting. Solid crown with mosquito netting attached to the perimeter. Camouflaged pattern.


WWII US ARMY TROPICAL BOONIE HAT - This is a round hat made from heavy duty cotton. It has been weatherized by applying a light coat of rubbe. Metal gromets are placed at mid-body for ventilation.




WWII US ARMY THEATER MADE BOONIE HAT - This is a hat made of multiple pieces of cloth. Weather-proofed. No markings found.





AMERICAN OVERSEAS HATS OF WWII


WWII US MARINE CORPS SUMMER OVERSEAS HAT - heavy duty cotton construction. Khaki color. An EGA (Eagle Globe and Anchor) insignia is placed on one side.


WWII WOMEN AIR CORPS (WAC) OVERSEAS HAT - This is a Women Air Corps (WAC) overseas hat. Size 22. Heavy duty cotton construction. Khaki color with yellow and black piping on the edge.


WWII US MARINE CORPS GREEN WOOL OVERSEAS HAT - This is a green Gabardine overseas hat that was issued for use by the US marine corps. A black EGA (Eagle Globe and Anchor) is found on one side.


WWII US WAVES OVERSEAS HAT - This is a Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) overseas hat. Of dark blue cotton construction. High arch cut with a metal propellor found on one side.




WWII US WAC OVERSEAS HAT - This is a Women's Army Corp (WAC) overseas hat. Of cotton construction. Khaki color. A yellow and black piping is found along the edge. This hat is hard to find.








US MILITARY DRESS HATS OF WWII



WWII US ARMY ENLISTED FEMALE HAT - Of dark brown wool construction. This is a hard to find female US Army dress hat. large visor extends to the front, Enlisted metal eagle is placed center front.


1947 US ENLISTED MAN HAT - Wool construction with a leather visor. A matching brown leather chin strap comes with the hat. A tag identifies the manufacturing date of November 17th 1947. - Coming soon.


WWII US ARMY OFFICER'S THEATRE MADE HAT - This is a high quality made officer's hat. What makes it interesting is that it was made in England for the US Forces in Europe. Dated 1944 which coincides with D-day.


WWII US MILITARY ACADEMY HAT - Of light blue wool construction with a black leather chin strap and visor. The center of the body is manufactured in a gray color. Comes with metal insignia.




WWII US MARINE CORPS FEMALE SUMMER HAT - This is a hard to find USMC femal dress hat. Of cotton construction. Light green color. This example has a black EGA, in reality it should have been gold.


WWII US NAVY GREEN OFFICER HAT - Dark green wool construction with a black leather visor and chin strap. Just below the peak of the hat is a US Navy eagle sitting atop crossed anchors.


WWII US ARMY ENLISTED DRESS HAT - Brown Wool construction body with a lighter brown chin strap and visor. Round disc with eagle in the center. This is an enlisted man hat.


WWII US NAVY OFFICER HAT - Of cotton construction with a white top complimented by a black mid section and black leather visor.




WWII US ARMY SUMMER DRESS HAT - All cotton shite body with a contrasting black leather visor. The chin strap is silver and gold. An officer's golden eagle is placed center front.


WWII US ARMY ENLISTED DRESS HAT - Anoher example of an enlisted man dress hat. Of brown wool construction with a brown leather visor. Note that the shade of brown differs from hat to hat.


WWII US ARMY ENLISTED MAN HAT - Light brown wool main body with a dark brown chin strap secured by small gold buttons on the side. The buttons bear the US eagle.


WWII US ARMY SUMMER DRESS HAT - This is Khaki colored US Army hat. Complete with the enlisted man metal eagle device. brown leather visor and chin strap.




WWII US MARINE CORPS SUMMER DRESS HAT - Of cotton construction with a black leather chin strap and visor. Large, black metal EGA (Eagle Globe and Anchor) is placed in the center.

WWII US ARMY OFFICER'S DRESS HAT - As issued during WWII. the main body is made of wool. The center section has a woven pattern construction. Brown leather visor and chin strap.


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