Spanish Model Z-42/79 Helmet

[Mark K]

It took me a number of years to add an example of a Spanish Model Z-42/79 to my collection so was quite pleased when this well worn example showed up production started on these in 1978 and they were distributed from 1979 and seen service in to the late 1980's they were manufactured by the Trubia National Artillery Arsenal...

The helmet body is in a light khaki green and was only produced in one size and they weigh in at approximately 1150 grams and were intended for general use in the Spanish military..

The real prize here is the not often seen two sided Amoeba camouflage pattern cover this particular reversible variation is thought to have been used by the Spanish Marines, the pattern was first introduced into service between 1959 and 1960 the m59 camouflage pattern the brown amoeba side which (some sources call this rocoso or "rocky" pattern) saw considerable use until the middle of the 1980s when its use began to decline.

Spanish sources indicate, however, that limited use continued with some units until the middle of the 1990s. The pattern consists of black and translucent red & olive green amoeba shapes on a tan background with overprinted flecks of off-white, The Spanish green amoeba side of the cover is a variation of the M-60 boscosos (woodland) camouflage pattern and saw use between 1960 and the 1970s.

Using essentially the same design as the M-59, this print version consists of black and translucent red & green amoeba shapes on a pale green background with overprinted flecks of off-white.

 

Regards Mark