"Euroclones"
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After the Second World War, the US M1 helmet was adopted by many armies of the NATO alliance, as well as by non-NATO countries which wished to show that their sympathies did not lie with the East Bloc. Within NATO, the main exceptions were countries such as Britain, Italy and Portugal, which had their own tried and true designs, and France which adopted a helmet clearly based on the M1, the Mle-51, but was sufficiently different in form. Several countries undertook domestic production of the M1, both for their own armies and for export. The following describes these “Euroclones” to help the collector identify them.
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Austria M1 helmet: When the Austrian Bundesheer was reformed in 1955, it was initially equipped with U.S. made M1 helmets (30,000 of which were provided by departing US forces). The featured example is a late WWII issue M1 helmet with a rear seamed rim and cork textured paint. As was typical with the original M1 stock, the Austrians overpainted the shells in a lighter shade of green to that used by the US military. |
 M1 helmet in Austrian Bundesheer service.
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Stahlhelm 2 (M.58):
Production of a national copy of the M1 helmet began in 1958. The retroactively named Helm 2 closely resembled the US version. Complete, it weighed about 1.4 kg. The outer body was made of non-magnetic manganese steel, with a rear butted rim, the web chin-strap was bar-tacked to hinged lugs, and a US style fastening.
Production of a national copy of the M1 helmet began in 1958. The retroactively named Helm 2 closely resembled the US version. Complete, it weighed about 1.4 kg. The outer body was made of non-magnetic manganese steel, with a rear butted rim, the web chin-strap was bar-tacked to hinged lugs, and a US style fastening.
Austrian Bundesrepublik 1958 Stahlhelm 2.
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Austrian Bundesrepublik 1958 resinated Innenhelm2
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Austrian Bundesrepublik 1958 Kunstoff Innenhelm2 interior
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The resinated fabric had a black leather chin-strap, an insignia eyelet on the upper left side; and brown-coloured Riddle type webbing.From the late 1960s, the liner was made of thermoplastic and the insignia eyelet was moved to the left side. At about the same time, the buckle of chin-strap on the outer body was replaced by the quick-release type like rhat used on the German The Helm 2 was painted grey, and could be worn with a wide meshed knotted net and a mottled camouflage cover.
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Stahlhelm1 (M.75): In the early 1970s changes had been introduced both for new production helmets, and as retrofits. The M1 type chin-strap. The Riddle suspension was replaced by a German-type leather crown with 10 (later 9) unvented tabs, on a fibreglass band. On most liners there were rows of vents in front of the leather crown, and crossed webbing straps over the top. |
Austrian Bundestrepublik Stahlhelm 1 Rustung 1975
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Austrian Bundesrepublik Helm1 with net
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 Austrian Bundesrepublik Innenhelm 1 10 tabs
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Austrian Bundesrepublik Innenhelm 1 9 tabs
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Austrian Bundesrepublik Innenhelm 1 Rustung 75
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In conformity with the new Braugrau (olive) Rüstungs 75 uniforms, the base colour of the liner and steel body changed from grey to olive. The helmet was designated the Stahlhelm 1 and Innenhelm 1 with the earler version retroactively named the Stahlhelm 2 and Innenhelm 2. Many older helmets and liners were re-fitted and repainted to meet the new specifications, but may bare traces of their earlier fittings. Some Stahlhelm 1 bodies have been fitted with sprung steel clips on each side above the rim (Federklammer) to help retain the liner.
Austrian Bundesrepublik Helm 2 DR interior.
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Austrian Bundesrepublik Innenhelm 1 Kradfahrer interior.
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Motorcyclists (Motorradfahrer) were issued liners fitted with two rear vents, a black leather curtain, fastened with a clasp buckle and a Styrofoam padded cloth and, initially, with the Riddle type suspension. A special plastic crash helmet for AFV crew was also designed, which could also be worn beneath the steel body of the Stahlhelm1 or 2. |
A special cut-down parachutists (Fallschirmspringer) liner with a similar curtain, and a ring fastened, cupped chin-strap was also issued. Along with later Motorradfahrer helmets these had the leather suspension of the Innenhelm 1, with Styrofoam padding.
Austrian Bundesrepublik 1975 Fallschirmspringer Innenhelm
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Austrian Bundesrepublik Fallschirmspringer Innenhelm rear
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Austrian Bundesrepublik 1975 Innenhelm 1 Kradfahrer HBA stamp
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Austrian helmets often have a white interior stamp with the principle maker's (usually Ulbrichts Witwe of Schwanenstedt) logo U.Sch. and date. This was also impressed in the plastic liners, (although these may also bear the logos of other manufacturers, such as mp for MetaPlast).
The size and a black date stamp of the Heeres Bekleidungsamt (HBA) may also be found. In addition to supplying the Austrian army, Ulbrichts also exported M1 clones to, inter alia, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. Innenhelm 1 liners were also made by MetaPlast of Frankenberg, and some made by Schuberth and VDN Schwert were also imported from Germany. Liners often bear their occupants’ rank badges at the front.
The size and a black date stamp of the Heeres Bekleidungsamt (HBA) may also be found. In addition to supplying the Austrian army, Ulbrichts also exported M1 clones to, inter alia, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. Innenhelm 1 liners were also made by MetaPlast of Frankenberg, and some made by Schuberth and VDN Schwert were also imported from Germany. Liners often bear their occupants’ rank badges at the front.
Belgium
Mle 1951:
Adopted in 1951 and in service until the 1990s, the Belgian copy of the U.S. M1 was made from non magnetic Hadfield steel. The bodies were usually somewhat smaller and more globular than U.S.-made versions, with a rear butter rim and hinged chin-strap lugs.
Belgium Mle 51 early Air Force
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Belgium Mle 51 late UN
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Belgium Mle 51 Army liner thermoplastic
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The liners, initially of resinated fabric, but after circa 1971, of thermoplastic. They used the Riddle suspension, with the webbing coloured, like the helmet, according to service. While the chin-strap and front eyelet were retained, on the thermoplastic liners, the suspension was now removable. Over time there were also changes to attachment of the chin-strap to the steel body, and to its clasp. Mle-51s were made in Belgium, Austria and Germany.
Belgium Mle 51 Army interior markings
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Belgium Mle 51 early Academie cover interior
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In 1963 the Gendarmerie adopted its own special M1 liner made of black plastic. it had a ridge along the top, a silver plastic flaming grenade badge in front and an elaborate leather harness.
Mle 1971 Casque du parachutist:
Belgium adopted the Bundeswehr's Helm1A1LL paratrooper helmet. Made by Schuberth of Braunschweig Germany, Belgian versions had an extra leather loop on the harness to support the chin. In the late 1980s some were fitted with the harness and suspension of the French Mle-78.
Mle 1971 Casque du parachutist:
Belgium adopted the Bundeswehr's Helm1A1LL paratrooper helmet. Made by Schuberth of Braunschweig Germany, Belgian versions had an extra leather loop on the harness to support the chin. In the late 1980s some were fitted with the harness and suspension of the French Mle-78.
BE Mle 71 Mle78 harness
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BE Mle 71 Mle78 harness interior
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Postwar Belgian Army helmets were painted sanded (later smooth) greenish khaki, Navy helmets are navy blue, Air Force helmets are light blue and Gendarmerie helmets blue black. All have a black/ yellow/red Belgian flag on the left. Nets and U.S. woodland or Belgian pattern camouflage covers were worn. Inside was stamped the date, maker's logo and A.B.L. (Armée belge - Belgische Leger) for the Army, ZM/FN (Zeemacht/Force naval) for the Navy and Gd-Rx (Gendarmerie -Rijkswaacht) for the Gendarmerie. No logo is used for the air force . In some cases this was stamped on the rim of the steel body. Makers marks include: TAWO, COGEB, LEVOIR, SECRT on Mle-51 linings, UMAL on Belgian made steel helmets, Us’ on Austrian made helmets and SW (Schuberth Werk) or VDN (Vereingte Deutsche Nikel) on German made helmets
Denmark
Hjelm Model 1948 and 1963:
Denmark has used U.S., Austrian and German made versions of the M1 under the designation Staalhjelm model 48 (m/48). Resinated fabric linerswere produced locally, these had a red-brown interior, with grey herringbone twill cotton Riddel-type suspension, and brown leather headband and liner chinstrap. Most surviving examples of thee helmets have been repainted grey and issued to the Civil Ddefence Civilforsvaret) they are marked with a crowned CF.
Denmark
Hjelm Model 1948 and 1963:
Denmark has used U.S., Austrian and German made versions of the M1 under the designation Staalhjelm model 48 (m/48). Resinated fabric linerswere produced locally, these had a red-brown interior, with grey herringbone twill cotton Riddel-type suspension, and brown leather headband and liner chinstrap. Most surviving examples of thee helmets have been repainted grey and issued to the Civil Ddefence Civilforsvaret) they are marked with a crowned CF.
Denmark m48 Euroclone body
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Denmark m48 G&M body
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Denmark m48 resinated liner
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Denmark m48 resinated liner Danish webbing interior
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In 1957 production of the magnetic steel bodies was begun in Denmark by Glud & Marstrands. The early issues of these helmets had a noticeably Danish chinstrap, affixed with large round-headed rivets and simple hook fastener. The locally produced resinated liners proved unsuitable for north European conditions, and from1963, Dansk Kunststof Industri began the manufacture of liners made from from thick grey-green thermoplastic (in grey and orange ones for the Civil Defence and white for the Navy).Dansk Kunststof Industri liners retained the insignia eyelet, leather chin-strap and Riddel- type suspension found on earlier US and Danish-made liners.. They were designed to withstand temperatures between -30 and +40 Celsius. Danish liners were also sold to Norway as the m/58, and some were also exported to the Netherlands in 1962.
Belgium Mle 51 late UN
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Denmark m48 DKI m59 liner blue
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Denmark m48 DKI m59 liner blue interior
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From.1965, the steel bodies were made by Ulbrichts Witwe of Schwanenstedt , Linnemann Schnetzer of Ahlen and VDN/Busch (Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke AG) of Schwerte. These are made of non-magnetic manganese steel, and the chin-straps were attached by steel clips, as with post-war US helmets. From 1978 a version of the US chin-strap was adopted, which clips onto the chin-strap loops and has a web chin-sling.
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France
While the French Mle-51 differed in form from the M1 it is based on the same concept. The French firms Franck and Dunois also made export versions of the M1. Dunois offered one and two-piece M1s in both ground troops and airborne configurations, as well as a copy of the German Helm1A1 and a ballistic nylon version. Liners were made by Celeron and M. P. M. P Marseilles. |
French M51 liner. Note the similarities to the M1 lining configuration.
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Germany
Stahlhelm (M 56):
The earliest Bundeswehr helmets were almost exact copies of late wartime US M1. They were made of manganese steel and weighed about 1.5 kg complete. The official designation was Stahlhelm, while the liner was designated Helm. Both parts together were called zweiteiliger Stahlhelm (two piece steel helmet. The first 190.000 pieces were manufactured between 1956 and 1958 by Linnemann & Schnetzer (in Ahlen) and F. W. Quist (Esslingen) The resinated cloth liners were made by Schuberth (in Braunschweig), Römer (Neu-Ulm), Bebrit Preßstoffwerke (Bebra), Maury & Co (Offenbach) and Römmler (Großumstadt). . Chin-straps were initially bar tacked to the hinged loops, later attached by clips as on past war US M1s. The helmets were coloured olive-green (orange for MPs, blue grey for parade), a splinter pattern camouflage cover was provided. The manufacturer’s initials location and last two years of the date were stamped inside the body, liner and on the webbing. Some 190,000 were produced between June 1956 and October 1958, when the decision to adopt a single shelled helmet was made. The liner alone, however, continued to be used a Protokolhelm for parade use. Later versions of these were made by Schuberth of blue grey thermoplastic and are so designated by a stamp inside.
Stahlhelm (M 56):
The earliest Bundeswehr helmets were almost exact copies of late wartime US M1. They were made of manganese steel and weighed about 1.5 kg complete. The official designation was Stahlhelm, while the liner was designated Helm. Both parts together were called zweiteiliger Stahlhelm (two piece steel helmet. The first 190.000 pieces were manufactured between 1956 and 1958 by Linnemann & Schnetzer (in Ahlen) and F. W. Quist (Esslingen) The resinated cloth liners were made by Schuberth (in Braunschweig), Römer (Neu-Ulm), Bebrit Preßstoffwerke (Bebra), Maury & Co (Offenbach) and Römmler (Großumstadt). . Chin-straps were initially bar tacked to the hinged loops, later attached by clips as on past war US M1s. The helmets were coloured olive-green (orange for MPs, blue grey for parade), a splinter pattern camouflage cover was provided. The manufacturer’s initials location and last two years of the date were stamped inside the body, liner and on the webbing. Some 190,000 were produced between June 1956 and October 1958, when the decision to adopt a single shelled helmet was made. The liner alone, however, continued to be used a Protokolhelm for parade use. Later versions of these were made by Schuberth of blue grey thermoplastic and are so designated by a stamp inside.
GE BRD Innenhelm 1
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GE BRD Innenhelm 1 interior
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Helm1A1:
The Germans disliked the two shell concept and soon adopted a one piece helmet which combined the politically correct M1 shape with the more traditional I 31 type lining. Difficulties in procuring manganese steel (due to allied restrictions on German steel production) led to a reversion to nickle steel, which was also more malleable allowing a rolled rim. In 1958,30.000 one-piece helmets (einteiliger Helm) were ordered from Eskilstuna Ståhlpressings AB in Sweden, and were made from Swedish steel. These were called Stahlhelm Modell 1A1. Based on the M1, the German version was rounder in form with an inwardly turned rim. Later M1A1 helmets were made in Germany from magnetic nickle chrome steel produced by Edelstahlwerke (in Krefeld), and drawn by VDN, and later by L&S and Quist. The Helm1A1 came in three sizes: 66, 68 and 71, weighing between 1.2-1.4 kg.. It had a v50 of 275 m/s. The bodies were marked VDN (Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke AG of Schwerte), PSL (Paul Schulze of Lubeck) or SW (Schuberth Werke).
The Germans disliked the two shell concept and soon adopted a one piece helmet which combined the politically correct M1 shape with the more traditional I 31 type lining. Difficulties in procuring manganese steel (due to allied restrictions on German steel production) led to a reversion to nickle steel, which was also more malleable allowing a rolled rim. In 1958,30.000 one-piece helmets (einteiliger Helm) were ordered from Eskilstuna Ståhlpressings AB in Sweden, and were made from Swedish steel. These were called Stahlhelm Modell 1A1. Based on the M1, the German version was rounder in form with an inwardly turned rim. Later M1A1 helmets were made in Germany from magnetic nickle chrome steel produced by Edelstahlwerke (in Krefeld), and drawn by VDN, and later by L&S and Quist. The Helm1A1 came in three sizes: 66, 68 and 71, weighing between 1.2-1.4 kg.. It had a v50 of 275 m/s. The bodies were marked VDN (Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke AG of Schwerte), PSL (Paul Schulze of Lubeck) or SW (Schuberth Werke).
GE BRD Helm1A1 Stahlhelm Bodentruppen
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Of the initial test order, Eskiltuna produced 27,500 steel bodies (unofficially dubbed the Schwedenhelm), in 1959. They had a lining, invented by Römer of Neu-Ulm, but also by the Schuberth-Werke of Braunschweig. The Innenausstattung FJ 60 (liner FJ 60) had a fibre or fibre glass lining band held by four rivets to the steel body with cork spacers to which was sewn a nine tongued leather crown, like the I-31. It was fixed by fourrivets into the lower part of the shell (two in front, two in back). –it is believed that says that liners with holes in the leather tongues were made by Schuberth, and those without holes by Römer. – Schuberth developed and introduced a new liner in 1960, that could be adjusted to three different sizes (53-55, 55-57, 57-61- the FJ 60 came in only two sizes), called the “Innenausstattung 60” ( I 60), later an Übergröße ( 61-64) was introduced.Based on its earlier work on the I 53 (used on the Bundesgenzschutz helmet) Schuberth’s top-mounted I 60, had a molded polyethylene cup with five descending struts which held a spring steel band to which an I 31 type crown was stapled. It was attached to a bolt inserted through the top of the helmet body. |
To each side of the body was riveted a sheet steel clip to which snapped a wire loop sewn to one of the ends of a two piece green web chin-strap. The right strap had an oiled brass triangular male clasp, the left strap a double wire snap hook. This was also used on the Austrian Stahlhelm1 and Swedish m/37/70
There are some (transitional?) M60 with the top bolt to the inside top of the body and the shell dome to hold the I. 60.These helmets were probably the first ones to be issued with I. 60. Steel producers and the drawing (stamping) works were reluctant to allow holes to be drilled through the shells to insert rivets or bolts. Eskilstuna Stalpressnings in Sweden refused to guarantee protection capability of their helmet bodies if there were rivet holes drilled or bolts welded into the dome.
The new helmet was officially designated the Helm1A1 in October 1961 in the VTL(Vorläufige Technische Lieferbedingungen). It also received the designation Helm, Bodentruppen., These terms do not distinguish between the FJ 60 and helmets with the Schuberth I 60 lining.
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Helm1A1 or Helm Bodentruppen (modifiziert): In the 1970s the Bundeswehr tested various modified suspensions, and in February 1981, officially adopted the Helm1A1 (modifiziert). All subsequent helmets were built to this standard, while approximately 100,000 helmets per year were retrofitted on being returned to depots by released conscripts. Improvements were achieved by extending a sort of nape holder down the back side of the liner, so that it would hold better on the wearer’s head, as in a construction worker’s helmet. Also it was improved by providing it with a chin-strap fastened to the brim at three points, like the Israeli M1 clone. Technical details were designed in a VTL in 1982. Retrofitted Helm1A1s retain the peened over rivets for the old chin-strap clips. It was also produced in a gigantic “Übergröße” 73 for head sizes 62-66, using a shell that looks rather different to the normal sizes. 
GE BRD Helm 1A1 modifiziert
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GE BRD Helm 1A1 modifiziert liner interior
GE BRD Helm 1A1 modifiziert liner
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In 1991 the “Flecktarn” camouflage cover was introduced, its underside being white for snow camouflage. Before that, only clip=on camouflage nets were issued although, there were field tests with experimental covers, during the 1960s with the “Amöbentarn” and the “Schneetarn” patterns.
GE BRD Helm1A1LL
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GE BRD Helm1A1LL interior
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Helm1A1LL:
In the late 1950s, the Bundeswehr undertook extensive tests of various paratroop helmet designs, many based on the old Fallschirmjägerhelm, or cut down from the Helm1. The old FJ style helmet was thought to give insufficient protection to the neck and temples and against rain. In addition, the Bundeswehr wanted to give its troops a standardized “battle-silhouette”.It therefore decided to adopt a helmet using the Helm Bodentruppen body fitted with a Schuberth I 60 type lining, modified for airborne use with foam pads around the inside of the shell plus cradle strapping in the dome .
In the late 1950s, the Bundeswehr undertook extensive tests of various paratroop helmet designs, many based on the old Fallschirmjägerhelm, or cut down from the Helm1. The old FJ style helmet was thought to give insufficient protection to the neck and temples and against rain. In addition, the Bundeswehr wanted to give its troops a standardized “battle-silhouette”.It therefore decided to adopt a helmet using the Helm Bodentruppen body fitted with a Schuberth I 60 type lining, modified for airborne use with foam pads around the inside of the shell plus cradle strapping in the dome .
GE BRD FJ 60 interior
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Four vented screw bolts attached the liner and a four-point suspension (similar to that of old the FJ helmet but in green-brown leather) to the body. Designated the Helm1A1LL (Luftlandetruppe), the first orders were placed in November 1959, and the definitive design finalized in August 1961.
The Helm1A1 was also exported to Iran (painted sand) and the Helm1A1LL to Belgium. German firms such as LS, Schuberth and VDN also offered standard two piece M1s for export with resinated cloth, nylon and plastic liners and with both Riddle and cradle style webbing. Buyers included: Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and reportedly Turkey and various Persian Gulf states.The German firm Technologue also made an M1 clone from a ballistic nylon called Corlon, which was copied by a number of countries including Israel and South Korea. |
Greece
In the post war period Greece adopted the M1, some thermoplastic liners were produced locally.
Netherlands
M1953:
In the immediate aftermath of the War the Netherlands issued British-made Mk.II and Mk.III helmets. But after joining NATO, the US M1 was adopted Local production of an M1 clone was begun in 1953, with the steel bodies produced by the pre-war helmet producer Verenigde Blikfabrieken (Verblifa).
Netherlands M53 Verblifa interior
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Netherlands M53 SW interior
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Later M1 clones made to Netherlands specifications were procured from the German firms Linnemann-Schnetzer, Schuberth and VDN and the Austrian Ulbrichts Witwe company. Both magnetic and non magnetic steel was used. The main chin-strap had a two pronged brass snap fastener.The date and manufactuer’s initials are usually stamped on the front rim.
Netherlands M53 catch
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Netherlands M53 Us 1990 UN
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Netherlands M53 thermoplasdtic liner Us 1990 UN interior
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Early liners were made of resinated fabric, had bolted A washers,an insignia eyelet and a leather chin-strap. From the 1970s liners were made of thermoplastic, and the washers were riveted in place. The insignia eyelet was supressed in 1974, a cotton web chin-strap adopted.
Characteristic of all but the earliest Netherlands liners is the sweat band attached by loops and press studs. Liners were produced by a number of local manufacturers and by the Austrian firm Ulbrichts Witwe, Dansk Kunststof Industri, and by the German firms Schuberth and VDN, the date and manufacturers’ initials are stamped or impressed inside the liner.
The M53 was painted a dark olive drab (blue-grey or white for the Air Force and Navy). The manufacturer's initials and were stamped on rim of the steel body and usually printed or impressed in the liner. Nets or a fitted camouflage cover in either US Woodland or locally-made British British-style Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM) wwere often worn.
Dutch made helmets were also sold to Luxembourg.
Characteristic of all but the earliest Netherlands liners is the sweat band attached by loops and press studs. Liners were produced by a number of local manufacturers and by the Austrian firm Ulbrichts Witwe, Dansk Kunststof Industri, and by the German firms Schuberth and VDN, the date and manufacturers’ initials are stamped or impressed inside the liner.
The M53 was painted a dark olive drab (blue-grey or white for the Air Force and Navy). The manufacturer's initials and were stamped on rim of the steel body and usually printed or impressed in the liner. Nets or a fitted camouflage cover in either US Woodland or locally-made British British-style Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM) wwere often worn.
Dutch made helmets were also sold to Luxembourg.
Norway
Having inherited a variety of local, Swedish, German and British helmets after the War, Norway adopted the M1 for its front-line troops. There was no indigenous production of the Hjelm m/58, instead Norway imported Austrian or German made steel bodies and Dansk Kunstoffindustrie liners, although local firms installed their suspensions...
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union produced a plastic construction helmet shaped much like an M1 liner. It has a cyrillic stamp impressed inside.
Spain
Casco modelo 1965 OTAN:
The German inspired Modelo 42 “Zeta” helmet was unsuitable for airborne use, and Spain adopted modified USA or European M1s for use by its Marines and Paratroops. In 1965 after its accession to NATO, Spain began production of its own version of the M1. The steel bodies were produced by Induyco of Madrid and the liners by Fedur of Zaragoza. Both airborne and ground-troops versions of these M1 clones were produced..
The Modelo 1965 is heavier than the standard M1 (1.5kg) and its steel body had a raw rim. The hinged US style lugs had wider than usual square wire loops. The poor quality plastic liner had two side vents on the upper sides.
Four different combinations harness andf suspension were employed, with either five leather tabs joined by a cord, or a version of the US cradle type suspension, made of flimsy olive green nylon webbing. The steel body had a heavy nylon web chin-strap like the US Type I with either a web chin-sling or a plastic chin cup. The strap could be adjusted by slides on the chin-strap lugs, and was fastened by interlocking plated steel rings. The liner had heavy web A frames like the US parachutists (Type-II) liners and brackets to attach the strap ends from the steel body. The overall effect is not elegant.
Having inherited a variety of local, Swedish, German and British helmets after the War, Norway adopted the M1 for its front-line troops. There was no indigenous production of the Hjelm m/58, instead Norway imported Austrian or German made steel bodies and Dansk Kunstoffindustrie liners, although local firms installed their suspensions...
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union produced a plastic construction helmet shaped much like an M1 liner. It has a cyrillic stamp impressed inside.
Spain
Casco modelo 1965 OTAN:
The German inspired Modelo 42 “Zeta” helmet was unsuitable for airborne use, and Spain adopted modified USA or European M1s for use by its Marines and Paratroops. In 1965 after its accession to NATO, Spain began production of its own version of the M1. The steel bodies were produced by Induyco of Madrid and the liners by Fedur of Zaragoza. Both airborne and ground-troops versions of these M1 clones were produced..
The Modelo 1965 is heavier than the standard M1 (1.5kg) and its steel body had a raw rim. The hinged US style lugs had wider than usual square wire loops. The poor quality plastic liner had two side vents on the upper sides.
Four different combinations harness andf suspension were employed, with either five leather tabs joined by a cord, or a version of the US cradle type suspension, made of flimsy olive green nylon webbing. The steel body had a heavy nylon web chin-strap like the US Type I with either a web chin-sling or a plastic chin cup. The strap could be adjusted by slides on the chin-strap lugs, and was fastened by interlocking plated steel rings. The liner had heavy web A frames like the US parachutists (Type-II) liners and brackets to attach the strap ends from the steel body. The overall effect is not elegant.
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