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WWII Marine Pressed Fiber Sun Helmets 1944

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:250.00 - 500.00 USD
WWII Marine Pressed Fiber Sun Helmets 1944
In this lot are two Marine corps pressed fiber sun helmets. These are not pith helmets. Pith helmets were made of sections of usually cork, had a vent on top and a scarf tied around to hold them together and to shade the back of the neck. The pressed Fiber Sun Helmet was first made in 1934 by the international Hat Company and are the longest running headgear used by the USA military as they are still in use today. The helmet is not a combat helmet, as it was not originally designed to protect the head during combat. An important feature in the original conception of the helmet was to be shaped and contoured from one singular piece. This greatly assisted in making the helmet waterproof. The fiber material kept the helmet light and the soldier unencumbered by headgear. The major drawback in the design was heat. Despite being designed with a series of ventilation holes, the interior of the helmet would eventually become hot in the sun. One helmet has a black USMC EGA and a chin strap and show slight wear to the sweat band. The other has a brass USMC EGA on it. These hat are in very good condition and appear to have been never or lightly worn. No major signs of wear or damage noted to the helmets. They measure 13 3/4" L x 11 1/2" W x 6 1/2" H and have a collective weight of 1 pound.