A tale of two helmets...

Back in December 2009, I ordered an Original WW1 German M-16 helmet shell (Marked: B.F. 64) from the USA and it got sent to the ICA at Singapore Post Centre for further inspection. As a routine check, the shell got re-routed to the Arms and Explosive Branch (AEB) at the Police Cantonment Complex.

I did not had the time to go down to clear the shell with them. Not long later, helmet No. 2 came along, which was a replica WW2 US Airborne helmet, and this too got "stuck" at the ICA. =-p

Therefore, I thought I would allow both helmets to end up in AEB first before I made my presence there.

I was a regular customer at AEB when it was still named "Arms & Explosives Branch" some time back. The two helmets managed to get the green light for clearance and it's now in my hands for display.

I just ordered a reproduction M-16 liner and chinstrap for the German shell and shall update with more photos when I receive them.

The four month wait was well worth it!

Note the marking and the attachment for the chinstrap.

The beautiful M-16 helmet. The paint job was done post 1918 by the Belgians. But I love it!

A familiar sticker that many militaria collectors like us will encounter very often.

Looks like the guys forgot to keep these forms when they handed the helmets to me.

Type 14 Nambu pistol coming soon...

Well, it's a plastic model kit of the famous Japanese army pistol. Except that it's an LS kit which is already Out of Production for decades, and that this kit is full scale 1/1 pistol!

I have been paying several installments for this and it should be here in mid April all the way from USA. I seriously doubt that one can find this in model stores in Singapore.

I may or not build it eventually. Let's see how it goes.

Read more about the Type 14 here.

Here are some preview pictures taken by the seller of the kit and box as well as an example of a completed Type 14 pistol model kit. Extremely lifelike I would say.

New purchases!

ORIGINAL WW2 US Officer Rank Bars - As found pinned onto Garrison caps, uniforms and Ike Jackets. Of course, its shine and gleam made excellent targets for snipers. Received one set in gold for 2nd Lieutenant and one set for Lieutenant. Received 030310.





ORIGINAL WW2 German 1944 Mess tin - Beautiful Olive Green colour. Paint is 95% intact. Matching set (Maker marked: OHW 44. Complete with previous owner's name (Schön...g) written on a Hansaplast! Received 240210.