I`ve been looking into making a WWII amateur movie, and I was wondering if anybody here would know where I could get a WWII-era American helmet (M-1 or M-2 I believe) for cheap, preferrably never worn. If anybody knows where to get cheap army clothing as well, that would be helpful too.

Thanks for any help.

An orignal helmet will not be cheap. Even in poor shape a fixed bale M1 helmet demands a premium. Your best bet on the cheap is a post war helmet. Prowl around your local surplus stores and you will find something passable. The biggest problem visually between the two is usually the way the chinstraps were attached (WWII helmets had the straps sewn on) and the chin strap hardware which doesn't even come close to the style used in WWII. There are also differences between the airborne helmet and the standard infantry helmet, although less so than with the liners which have several very apparent differences.

Even if you find a helmet you will still need a liner. WWII liners are if anything more expensive than the helmet itself. The differences between the liners is even greater than those of the helmets.

There are several refurbishers out there who restore these helmets. Prices start Around $125.00.

Hmm I see, thanks for the help. At this point I'm not trying to be 100% faithful to the era, I simply want it to look like a WWII soldier to a normal noninformed person.

Since this is for a movie I don't want an original helmet, obviously, because I will probably use it only once anyway. Are there any helmet models that you know of that look a lot like a M-1 but could be found for a significantly cheaper price?

Try paper-mache

Add some paint

you will look the part guaranteed.

What's you movie going to be called ?

Saving Private Pooky ?

Heh, not sure about the title yet, I usually choose that when I'm actually sure that I'm going to make the movie itself in the first place.

Don't you think paper mache helmets would be too wrinkly? I guess it can't hurt to try though, thanks for that.

quote:

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Originally posted by pooky_da_pook:
Heh, not sure about the title yet, I usually choose that when I'm actually sure that I'm going to make the movie itself in the first place.

Don't you think paper mache helmets would be too wrinkly? I guess it can't hurt to try though, thanks for that.

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http://www.kinderplanet.com/helmet.htm

Try this , it may not be WW2 specific but it gives you the basics where to start

Josh Murray 1944 Inc.

Where I got my M2 Para helmet from. A very friendly guy. Does fixed and swivel bale M1s too.

Ebay... or your nearest army surplus store.

well, J. Murray does excelent work, truely top notch! but their helmets are expensive, they're cheaper at this site, http://www.atthefront.com/us_main.htm

whoa...thank you maxlittwin, i might be giving all my money away to this place

yeah, i bought some HBT fatigues from them, very high quality.

J. Murray make the best helmets.
M1, M1c and M2 D-bale!!!

Just type on google: J.Murray helmets.

got one from sunny surplus for 30 bux...

I am a WW2 reenactor, on the German side actually, but I would check out online stores such as Lost Battalions or At The Front. (Which was mentioned earlier.) I actually just got some Y-straps and ammo pouches from At the Front a few days ago. I would make very sure to check out everything before you buy it,as i have seen Korean War helmet covers sold as WW2 Pacific covers. They look similar, but there are differances.

quote:

Originally posted by pooky_da_pook:
I`ve been looking into making a WWII amateur movie...

WOW, I've been doing the same thing. I'm working on the script now, but when it's done, it's going to be awesome.
A little advice on your helmet issue. For extras, take a liner (which I found a bunch for $11 each at my local surplus store) Paint it dark green, or what ever the outer helmet color is, and put a net over it, then hook the nets to the bolts the swat band attatches to, then viola, an American helmet that looks good, and is cost-effective.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: shameful_larva,

saving private pookie? my cats name is pooky, omg now i have him pictured running through trenches with a bayonet taped to his back

Hi
Depending on your location, you may want to search out a creative directory in your state/city- Wyoming Film board,New York Film office, yadda yadda yadda etc. Stuff like that. These can usually be requested by mail or viewed online. Next, look for "rentals" or "equipment/production equipment rentals" and/or subcatagories similar to that. You'll probably find "props/costumes" somewhere along that line as well as a propmaster with blank fire replicas of firearms.

Oh yeah, got a budget?

quote:

Originally posted by pooky_da_pook:
I`ve been looking into making a WWII amateur movie, and I was wondering if anybody here would know where I could get a WWII-era American helmet (M-1 or M-2 I believe) for cheap, preferrably never worn. If anybody knows where to get cheap army clothing as well, that would be helpful too.

Try this link: http://www.rddusa.com/product_info.php?cPath=4_29&products_id=364

Few more questions about WWII gear:
1. Did paratroopers use O.D. musette bags?
2. Were all paratroopers equipped with gp bags?
3. Were paratroopers equipped with M7 gas masks?
4. And if so, did alot of paratroopers keep them?
5. What did the 501st PIR do after Hill 30?

(I know that not all of these questions are about gear)

Use Google - search "Belgian Helmets" or "sportsman's guide"- they look nearly identical to the US M-1 Helmet of WW II and are about 20 or 30 bucks.