M91 post: To Remove or Not

J

jsmosby

New member
I noticed on my M1915 that the tab/ear that is part of the chin strap retention scheme using the M91 posts faces rearward (11:00 o'clock when viewed straight on) on the helmet right side and faces forward (again, 11:00 o'clock when viewed straight on) on the helmet left side. My questions are: 1. Did these use a left and right M91 post or was one used on either side and just mounted to orient the tab differently? 2. How fragile are those 4 retention tabs and 2 orientation wires for the posts, ie, are they easily bent to remove or have they, in general, lost their ductility (become fragile)? 3. Do you recommend I just leave it alone or make the change? I don't think it has ever been messed with and I don't want to be the one to compromise the helmet.
Thank you,
John
 
Hey John,
I would not mess with it, if it has not been messed with, you have an original helmet, but if you change it, and have something break, you then have a repaired/messed with helmet. I have checked my few helmets, they point different ways on each helmet, and one has them pointing different ways, but none point forward, forward and up would still hold the chinstrap in the used position.
You are probably the only person who sees your helmet who will notice, and it may bug you, but imagine how much you will be bugged if you break the prongs on the post.
Best
Gus
 
I know ideally they should be at 1 and 11 o'clock but I would not mess around with it. Sometimes they seem to slip a little, I think. It would not bother me at all.
 
Gus, Spikey,
Thank you for the additional information on the helmets in your collection and the counsel about my awareness to detail. It does bug me. My profession has mandated over the years that I be very conscious to details; I am. But I also know and appreciate that there comes a time to "cut bait" and let it go. This is one of those times; and I will. I look forward to showing this first and one and only haube in my collection...so far, via photos or at one of the shows on the east coast to one of you or others on the forum that can further critique this piece.
Take care,
John
 
Hi John, welcome. I would echo the advice already given, do not touch them. I have removed M91s from scrapper helmets and have the put them back on when I have picked up a helmet missing one or in some cases part of the post was broken or missing. It is always touch and go with the 2 long prongs and the centre post tabs all of which have to be bent back. You can not aneal the prongs to soften the brass because they are soldered into the cap part of the post. You would also leave scratches in the tin washers through which the prongs go. This is a dead give away that something has been done. Even the patina of the prongs and tabs will show rebending. So, just enjoy the helme for what it is. There are a multitude of other more drastic things that could be wrong with the piece! B
PS. For those who do have to bend brass prongs on spike brads or M91 posts. I recommend using the straight blade bit from one of those screw drivers that has the screw bits stored in the handle. In addition, a small set of curved needle nosed pliers really helps. Nice and small! Always anneal (apply heat) the brads before bending them back into place. This softens the brass and the brads will not break.
 
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