scroll down for some comments received
DENMARK - M1946/2
Danish M1946 - side view
Although
supposedly modelled on the Swedish M37 this has a most definitely
different shell - see the end of this section for a direct comparison.
This is actually the M46/2 - the first edition had a different liner.
There are no stamps or makers marks anywhere in this helmet.
Danish M1946 - front quarter
The
M1946 was introduced just after the Second War, but never actually
became standard issue for the Danish Armed Forces. It was made in
limited numbers and after 1951 most helmets were issued to the Danish Civil
defence.
When were these actually in production? The implication is that they were not produced after 1951.
Liner WITHOUT liner band.
This
view shows the polyethylene liner - quite advanced for its time
- with the headband (see immediate right) removed.
This is actually the second series M1946 - the M46/2. The earlier M46/1 had a British Mk2 liner fixed with a usual bolt through the crown of the shell, and a British webbing chinstrap.
Liner headband
A clever
construction - this headband can be adjusted to most head sizes,
but there must have been larger shells for the extreme size, as
when the band is fully extended it does NOT fit comfortably into
the shell.
Another view of the headband
Ingenious
construction - very modern compared to most other helmets of the
period.
Interior showing the four lobes
of the liner
Very simple, but sturdy and probably very durable
construction. Easy to make, assemble, and maintain.
Liner detail
There are
actually only two separate moulded parts in this liner - a liner
lobe (four fitted) and the headband.
Complete liner -
The
headband is not properly fitted in - when snapped to all four lobes
it is neat and tidy.
The chinstrap brackets have at some time been removed and quite crudely refixed. Roughly welded, and not even placed properly in the original positions. It's a striking example of poor finishing in an otherwise well-made helmet.
Why would this have happened? There seems no need to remove the brackets to replace the chinstrap.
Does anyone have a M46/1 for sale at a price I can afford?
Comparison of Danish M1946 and Swedish M37
Front of Danish M1946 -
the
'lifted' front is obvious here. It resembles the Swiss M71 in some
ways!
Front of Swedish M37
By
comparison the M37 is virtually entirely horizontal along its
base.
Some comments from US collector DAVE POWERS -
"I have - 1) Danish M46/type 1 w/ slate grey sandy finish, Brit. MkII style liner suspended by a liner bolt; welded on loops w/ stitched on U.S. M1 type light green cloth chinstrap (no external rivet heads of course). No shell codes seen altho' the heavy finish may hide them.
2) Danish M46: transition from Swede M37 w/ codes on rear interior edge: 72, feathered arrow through SJ, 44L. Black fiber board liner band mounting the 3 white plastic "V" shaped crown supports. White plastic band has English size figures/holes for press nipple adjustment. Darker green U.S. M1 chinstraps w/ rusted T1 ball/hook adjusment. Strap loops riveted to sides of black fiber band.
3) Danish M46/type 2: similar to the one on your website. Smooth grey finish inside & out. Welded on strap loops holding a rough light tan green M1 type chinstrap, Buckle w/ no T1 fittings. My tag note on this: "Danish Navy M46. Shows transition from Navy to later civil defense use - red painted stamp: C.F. under crown within a circle in crown center. Black fiber band w/ adjustable white plastic band. Leather headband has ink stamps along rear: large 57 - 6 JUNI 1981"
Useful knowledge for us all, on a fairly unusual helmet (how come Dave has three when they're pretty uncommon...???)