Extremely Rare Original Dutch "Stoottroepen" M1 Combat Helmet. The M-1 helmet was developed as a replacement for the M-1917 helmet that had seen use since WW1. The M-1 helmet was approved for production in June of 1941. Early models had solid loops (fixed bale) for the chin straps but they broke off to often and were replaced with a moveable hinged loop. Only approximately 600 men serving with the 9th US army have been issued with the US M1 helmet. This is an early type helmet with the fixed bale loops and front seam stainless steel rim. There are some normal damages and scratches caused by usage. Both on front and on the wearer's right side an orange square have been painted on, on the wearer's left side an orange Dutch lion and an orange stripe on the back. Random splotches of green camouflage paint are painted on the helmet. The helmet is complete with it's original but damaged and incomplete chinstrap. The liner is in heavily used and damaged condition, see photos. The liner is produced by the 'Inland' company. The helmet comes together with 10 original fieldpost letters from the soldier's period when serving with the Stoottroepen in the Netherlands East-Indies, from the period late 1945 to late 1946, the letters have been sent from Singapore and Semarang (Java). There is interesting information in the letters, and these deserve it to be investigated. Unique piece of history, these extremely rare original Dutch Stoottroepen M1 helmets are rarely offered for sale! Price on request!