WW2 US M38 "FURY" TANKERS HELMET WITH GOGGLES AND ELECTRICS
HISTORY
M-1938 tank helmets were introduced to the US Armored Corps in 1941, even though the patent was not technically accepted until 12 May 1942. Manufacturing rights were granted to Rawlings Manufacturing Corporation, Sears Saddlery Company, Wilson Athletic Goods Manufacturing Company, and A.G. Spaulding & Brothers. Though essentially built to the same specifications, there were slight variations across the four manufacturers in terms of small details.
Tank helmets were issued as part of a tank's onboard equipment, and were not issued to individual tankers. According to the 1942 War Department Technical Manual TM 9-731A, all M4 and M4A1 Sherman tanks came equipped with five helmets -- sizes 7, 7 1/8, 7 1/4, 7 3/8, and 7 1/2. The M5 Stuart Light Tank came equipped with four tank helmets for its four crew members, although the 1943 Technical Manual TM 9-732 does not specify the exact sizes that were supplied with each light tank.
Starring Brad Pitt, the movie Fury depicts a WW2 tank crew stationed in Germany during the closing days of the war. The movie is bringing renewed attention to tank warfare and the equipment employed during battle.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
This Tankers Helmet comes with a pair of goggles and also the head set electronics which are rarely seen or sold with these helmets on the market today. The helmet presents well but there is a couple of tears to the leather around the earphones (as shown in the images). These tears are from use and do not detract from the helmets story or appearance. The helmet size is 7 1/4 and is maker marked correctly to Sears Saddlers one of the official US contractors who made these helmets.
This is a great looking display helmet.