What sort of chin scale set is this?

[ww1czechlegion]

I feel a bit foolish showing this chin scale set here and asking for assistance identifying the pair. They are marked on the back side: "Made in France". They appear to be very similar in design to the M91 enlisted chin scale set for mounted troops, except that they have no male or female end connector brass scale segment piece for either side of the chin scale pair.

They fit on M91 side posts. They do not have the regular male and female ends to each side of the chin scale set. There is a swivel square brass "O" connector on the end of each side of the chin scale set. The leather backing on appears old and shows wear. The adjustable neck strap appears to be newer leather.

Is this simply an older reproduction set of chin scales? Or could they have been used on an actual helmet, but not a German helmet?

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.

Best Wishes,

Alan

 

[CLOVIS 57]

hello,

It is a DIY. In fact, a chinstrap from a M72 or 74 French Dragon or Cuirassier helmet, (no quick fastener, barb loop and oval articulation ring).

The last scale used for attachment has been modified to fit the post side of the spiked helmet. You can clearly see the recent riveting at the back.
The French half-jugulars have 15 scales, so 2 have been removed, to add the one for the M91 post side of the pointe helmet. The rivets are obviously recently caulked.

Casque de dragon Français mod 1874

Bonsoir, enfin je crois que c'est un casque de dragon Français mod 1874... Un collegue d'un forum Anglophone me demande de l'aider dans l 'identification de sa

www.passionmilitaria.com

 

[ww1czechlegion]

Hello Thierry,

Thank you very much for this great information. Now I understand and it makes sense to me. So yes, a do-it-yourself project that someone utilized an old French chinstrap and added in modern times the M91 style fittings to it after removing 2-of the scales. I saw the solder that looks to be not as old as the chin scales. It did not make any sense to me until you gave this explanation. Thanks again for this great info.

Best Wishes,

Alan

 

[CLOVIS 57]

Hello Alan,
This chinstrap is definitely no longer usable on a French helmet, but can still be used as a back-up on a spiked helmet (although it is not compliant).

 

[ww1czechlegion]

Hello Thierry,

I found it on a spiked helmet that I bought many years ago from an old friend who found it in a collection he purchased some 40 years ago. I did not realize this was made from a French M72 or M74 chin scale set that was altered. I did not understand why it had no connector ends or why it was marked "Made In France". It all makes sense to me now that you have explained it to me. Thank you once again, I appreciate it!

Best Wishes,

Alan

 

[Steve Nick]

I find it odd that it would have MADE IN FRANCE stamped into the brass backing plate in English?

 

[stuka f]

I find it odd that it would have MADE IN FRANCE stamped into the brass backing plate in English?

as to do with import / export regulations to the UK, since the turn of the century (1800 to 1900!).
If a European coutry wnated to expand his market to the UK as well, it at to be mentioned it was made out side the UK.
Probably made before the war and hoping to serve for British purpose(head dresses....) as well, is my guess....

 

[Steve Nick]

as to do with import / export regulations to the UK, since the turn of the century (1800 to 1900!).
If a European coutry wnated to expand his market to the UK as well, it at to be mentioned it was made out side the UK.
Probably made before the war and hoping to serve for British purpose(head dresses....) as well, is my guess....

Thanks for that bit of information.

Always something new to leraan around here.