Danish M23 "Transitional" Helmet

The M/1923 helmet was a combat helmet issued to Danish troops during the interwar period and saw service in the Second World War. It was the first helmet to be issued to the Royal Danish Army and Navy. The helmet was produced locally by the company A/S Glud & Marstrands Fabrikker. The M/1923 is unique in that it was never exported internationally making Denmark the only country ever to use it. Between issue of the M23 and the issue and use of the German made M40 (during Denmark's occupation) the M23 underwent redesign, in 1926, with removal of the ventilation holes, and the recipricator for the large Danish crest on the prow. A single manufactured leather liner, instead of stitched pieces that werre an irritant to the wearer, with leather buffers at four points on the helmet's interior, were adopted. Chin straps were made of two parts and fixed with a hoot and receiver style. This helmet represents the first stages of that transition, with the single leather chin strap still in use. Versions like this are almost never found since the numbers remaining with only early stage transitions are extremely few. In beautiful unmolested condition, the interior leather has been fed and treated to preserve it from further aging. An absolute one-off for the discerning collector, and priced to reflect its rarity.