The M1934/39 was initially
produced and tested in Italy as a possible replacement for the Italian
military's Adrian helmets. The helmet did not meet their standards
however, and they were sold to Greece as bare shells just before the
outbreak of World War II. Once the Greeks received the M1934/39's they
painted them green and added their own liners and chin straps. These
liners were made from leather and featured seven 'tongues'. One of the
'tongues' was marked with a crown and the words ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΣ ΣΤΡΑΤΟΣ
("Greek Army"). Due to the sudden onset of hostilities between Greece
and Italy, Greece did not receive the total number of helmets ordered
and as a result, was unable to equip their entire army with the
M1934/39. |