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Argentinian 1'st production run M-1 as produced by FM


Mark K
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These are believed to be the earliest production run M-1's as produced by ( FM ) Direccion General De Fabricaciones Militares, and are thought to date from some time in the early to mid 1960's it is not clear how many were even produced as information is quite patchy and scarce...

It is my understanding until just a few years ago these were thought to be US refurbs until some extensive research was done by a collector and historian by the name of Eduardo Krapovicas, and Mr Bob Farmer whom is a avid collector, historian and researcher and very knowledgeable on the FM/M1 OTAN and its many variations...

One of the most notable differences when comparing these early production Run M-1's to the later produced examples is the bail fixing point it is welded deeper in the helmet body away from the rim ( a comparative image can be found below it is the last image I shared the earlier example is on the left of the image ) as they sit deeper in the shell they have a tendency to cause damage to the liner border..

The 1'st production run Primitive FM/M1 OTAN as well had a magnesium rim as opposed to a stainless steel rim that will be found on later production examples and due to the fact it measures in at approximately 16.8 cm in height when measured from centre of bail to top of crown on the dome, When compared to the later produced FM/M1 OTAN which measure in at 15.4 cm from centre of bail to crown on the dome..

The chinstrap webbing clip in this example is is as well of interest and said to be quite rare as it is a replacement made from zinced steel in the Argentinian Navy workshops. the liner is manufactured from fibreglass and is a 3rd pattern example with the hard to find "FM" stamped sweatband and Riddel type cotton made suspension with fixed flat headed copper type rivets..

The camo cover is a wartime IMARA ( Marines ) ERDL dated to 1982 as indicated by the contract number, the ARA marking on the label means Armada de la Republica Argentinian or ( Argentinian Navy )... Comparative height scale can be found below which covers US M-1's produced helmets from 1941-1966 and the Primitive FM/M1 OTAN to the later production models A big thanx to Bob farmer for his help and some of the information hear in.. US M1 41/43- 17.3cm, US M1 43/44-17.2cm, US M1 44/52-17.3cm, US M1 61/66-17.3cm, Original Argentine 'PRIMITIVE' FM/M1 OTAN-16.8cm Later adopted FM/M1 OTAN-15.4cm.

 

Regards Mark

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On 11/19/2021 at 9:47 AM, Mark K said:

Cheers Scott glad you found it helpful and informative..

 

Regards Mark

   I checked mine and looks like one of each. Thank you for all of the information Mark.   Scott

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Here are some pics of mine Mark. One is a Marine and the other Army. The Marine is the later model with an erdl cover and mesh net that is very tight to the helmet. It has the early 1970s goggles that were US made and preferred for some reason by the Argie Marines as well as the bandage seen carried in many pictures.  Scott

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Morning Scott both helmets above look to be excellent examples love the net and the 1'st aid bandage both of which now are incredibly hard to source in there own right and command high prices in the marketplace ..

 

Regards Mark

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7 hours ago, Mark K said:

Morning Scott both helmets above look to be excellent examples love the net and the 1'st aid bandage both of which now are incredibly hard to source in there own right and command high prices in the marketplace ..

 

Regards Mark

  Thanks Mark, and yes the bandages do seem to show up from time to time in Argentina but can be a bit pricey.    Scott

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