Experimental M-46 Helmet Denmark
The Danish M-46 helmet is a rare, post-war Danish trial helmet designed in 1946. This model was intended to become the new standard-issue helmet for the Danish Armed Forces after World War II. However, it was produced and used for only a very short period, making it a highly sought-after collector's item today.
Key Features
- Manufacturer: The steel shell was produced by the Danish company Glud & Marstrand.
- Hybrid Components: Early trial models combined the Danish shell with surplus British Mk II / Mk IIIliners and American khaki chinstraps.
- Production Numbers: Only an estimated 30,000 units were manufactured in 1946 before production was immediately halted.
History and Usage
Between 1946 and 1949, the Danish military command conducted extensive equipment trials. Although the M-46 was specifically designed for national defense, it was quickly sidelined by geopolitics. In 1948, Denmark decided to adopt the American M1 helmet instead (introduced into Danish service as the M48).
The M-46 helmets that had already been produced were subsequently reassigned:
- Danish Navy: A portion of the helmets was transferred to the navy (often referred to as the M1946-2 Navy helmet).
- Civil Defense (Civilforsvaret): Around 1960–1961, the vast majority of the remaining stock was sent to the Danish civil defense. These helmets were repainted in a glossy gray finish and fitted with a typical plastic civilian liner, which was secured through the shell using rivets.
Collector Status
Helms in their original, unaltered military configuration (featuring the British liner and original army green paint) are extremely rare. Most M-46 helmets found on the militaria market today are the gray-painted variants from the Civil Defense or the Navy.
