Viet Cong Main Force Reed Helmet with Three Covers Net & Scrim

This is a vert rare Viet Cong main force helmet made from bamboo reeds. It is covered in cloth on the exterior and plastic sheeting on the interior. Under the plastic groundsheet cover is another light green plastic cover. Again this one has two plastic covers and a cloth cover.

The dark plastic came in large sheets and was used as a groundcloth/rain-cape or made into helmet covers, as here.

The three covers on this particular helmet could be easily switched depending on the terrain since they are all different colors. 

It also has a cotton string net in which at least four camouflage scrim materials tied into the net

It also had  a chinstrap.

VCMF helmets were village made by basket weavers. As such, the shape and construction techniques varied all over the “Liberated Zone.” They were an artisans attempt to provide something of a uniform piece of headgear for the Company, Battalion or Regiment. 

VCMF reed helmets are very rare because they did not often survive the trip home in a duffel bag. This one is well used and has great color.

It is a one-looker which will become the centerpiece of your Viet Cong Main Force display. It has been quite a while, perhaps a few years, since we had any to sell.