As WWII helmets grow in value at an amazing rate, current collectors are beginning to look to other available options to keep their headgear collections affordable.  No other type of headgear has risen more in popularity in the past two years than the standard M-1 infantry helmet of the Vietnam Era.  Why is it that now, 30+ years after the conflict, Vietnam material is finally gaining interest on a widespread collector scale?  Call it healing, call it understanding, call it respect, call it the aging of a generation; call it what you will, but historically, as generations of veterans enter their golden years, nostalgia begins to take effect.  Couple this with a younger generation's need to better understand their parent's generation, and interest grows exponentially. 

With this in mind, following my own market evaulation on Vietnam era gear, the average Vietnam infantry helmet has gone from a value of a little over $15 apiece in 2004 to averaging just a bit over $65 currently (that's a 220% jump).  M1C parachutists helmets have also seen dramatic value surges as many are available only at $80-150 price tags currently.  With this great influx of interest, how does one determine an authentic Vietnam era helmet from a simple " found it in the garage" pot?  That all depends on what you're looking for.  Below are the most sought after qualites in the 'Nam era M-1 market.

- Mitchell Pattern Covers:  Although the Mitchell cover was not a commonly used item early in the war (1960-1962), the current collector assumes that the Vietnam lid has a Mitchell cover (pattern as shown in the photo above).  In looking for a solid helmet, look for covers that are undated or are dated to 1973 or earlier.  Premiums are given to items dated 1964-1969 (what many collectors feel to be the apex of American involvement in the conflict).  ERDL patterns were issued in 1969 and are not often found on Nam lids (rarely if ever- as no photographic evidence has been supplied).  As with anything , buyer beware and check the dates.  Many sellers are pawning off 1977 and 1983 dated ERDL and Woodland covers as Vietnam era.  Also know that applying a Mitchell pattern to an "bare" lid may end up costing you more money in the long run as many Mitchells are commanding insane prices ($15-25 each) at the moment.  It seems many collectors want that "authentic" looking lid and are willing to pay good money to get prime examples.

- Helmet Bands:  With camoflage bands being used on 80% of all GI helmets, look for unmarked bands (early models) or ones marked "US.Band.Helmet.Camouflage." These bands did not have reflective "cats eyes" and were used up until the early 80s when the new reflective style band replaced it.  In dating Nam era helmets, also be aware that cut up Jeep inner tubes were also used as bands (the current belief is that the USMC was so isolated from supply depots that they used inner tubes as bands).

- Chinstraps:  The common chinstraps for this era helmet will be one denoted and marked with an anchor.  They may or may not reach all the way around the lid for "storage".  If the chinstrap attached to the actual steel pot (not to the liner- this would be an airborne model) has a split chincup and angled clips, this is a 1977-1989 chinstrap that was never used in Vietnam.

- Steel Pot: There is pretty much no need to worry here...the last M-1 helmet bodies rolled off the production line in 1976 and are virtually identical to models going back to 1966.  Earlier models will have a slightly deeper body.  However, as many helmets were repainted and reused, it is not uncommon to find an older front seam WWII pot in circulation.

-Liner: Again, check for dates here. The liner will be dated on the right or left parallel strap and, if the sweatband is included, will be dated near the adjustment buckle on that as well.  Again, dates are key...many collectors want pre 1973/74 dated material with the late 1960s earning a premium.

If you are a newbie or a seasoned collector, knowledge is absolute power in collecting.  Know what you want, do your research, and begin the search.  If Vietnam helmets are becoming a new passion for you, don't worry, as rising values prove, you are not alone.  Keep on the lookout for quality, authentic lids, and steer clear from the bogus 1985 dated Vietnam helmet and you should be just fine.  Best of luck!