Recently I made a comment on another post about making repro helmet liners and how to get a tight fit around the rim of the shell. Consequently, I decided to show a couple of examples of what I was talking about. I have always found the old maxim to be true..."a picture is worth a thousand words". Some pictures:
As I said in my post on the other thread, if you want a tight fit wet the new liner and stitch it in. This is hard on the hands but it does allow you to get rid of the "pillow edge" as seen in examples on the internet. You pull/stretch the leather as you stitch and you must do it in one go before the liner dries out! Shown is a small size (53/4cm) M95 marked to IR 233. I have posts and spike for this but could never find visor trim or spine to complete the helmet because of it's size.
The flesh side is also dyed before stitching. Vegetable tanned sheep skin is the hide originally used by the German manufacturers. I made a template from an original, you trace the outline and then cut using leather scissors. Modern leather is dyed on both sides, if you want to get close to the originals you must start with a "natural hide".
A larger size M15 done with the same method. I have made and sold a few liners to members over the years. If anyone wants one made, let me know. I have also restitched holsters for "gunners".
As I said in my post on the other thread, if you want a tight fit wet the new liner and stitch it in. This is hard on the hands but it does allow you to get rid of the "pillow edge" as seen in examples on the internet. You pull/stretch the leather as you stitch and you must do it in one go before the liner dries out! Shown is a small size (53/4cm) M95 marked to IR 233. I have posts and spike for this but could never find visor trim or spine to complete the helmet because of it's size.
The flesh side is also dyed before stitching. Vegetable tanned sheep skin is the hide originally used by the German manufacturers. I made a template from an original, you trace the outline and then cut using leather scissors. Modern leather is dyed on both sides, if you want to get close to the originals you must start with a "natural hide".
A larger size M15 done with the same method. I have made and sold a few liners to members over the years. If anyone wants one made, let me know. I have also restitched holsters for "gunners".