Oregon Armories

Beret

A beret is a soft round cap, usually of wool felt, with a flat crown, which is worn by both men and women and traditionally associated with France.
Saint Bracelet
Berets are worn by many military and police units, and in some countries are particularly associated with elite units, who often wear berets in more unusual colours (such as the maroon of Commonwealth parachute troops and the German Kommando Spezialkr fte KSK, the green of the Royal Marines Commandos, French Commandos (Brets verts), and United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets), the scarlet of the elite Soviet Internal Troops (Spetsnaz), the beige or tan of Commonwealth special forces units (SAS) and U.S. Army Rangers, or the wide black of French Chasseurs alpins, the first military unit to have worn berets. The beret when properly worn fits snugly around the head, and the soft crown can be shaped in a variety of ways it is commonly pushed to one side (local custom usually prescribes which side, but there is no universal rule). Berets were originally worn by Northern Basque peasants (from the border area of Southern France, and Northern Spain) and were knitted from wool. Today berets are normally made from woven wool, wool felt, or acrylic fibre.Uniform berets feature a headband or sweatband attached to the wool, made either from leather or silk, sometimes with a drawstring allowing the wearer to tighten the hat. The drawstrings are, according to custom, either tied and cut off/tucked in or else left to dangle. The beret is often adorned with a cap badge, either in cloth or metal. Some berets have a piece of buckram or other stiffener in the position where the badge is intended to be worn. Berets are also often lined with silk, imitation silk, or other material. Though in some militaries the liner is removed in order to shape (called “forming”) the beret, this is usually done without permission from a superior officer because it impedes its head-warming capacities.In military berets, the headband is turned down (which makes it visible); but, in the Basque-style beret (also worn by selected military units such as the Belgian Chasseurs Ardennais), it is usually folded in. Berets have been a component of the uniforms of many armed forces throughout the world since the mid-20th century. A light blue beret is the international symbol of the United Nations Peacekeeping forces. Military berets are usually pulled to the right, but the armies of some European countries (including France) have influenced the pull to the left. The use of berets as a military headdress dates back to the creation of the French Chasseurs alpins in the early 1880s. These mountain troops were issued with a new style of uniform which included several features which were very practical and advanced by the standards of the time, notably the large and floppy blue beret which they still retain (see below). This was so unfamiliar a fashion outside France that it had to be described in an British encyclopedia in 1911 as “a sort of tam o’shanter hat”. Berets have features that make them very attractive to the military: They are cheap and easy to make in large numbers, they can be manufactured in a wide range of colours to enhance branch or regimental esprit de corps, they can be rolled up and stuffed into a pocket without damage and they can be worn with headphones (this is one of the reasons why tank crews came to adopt the beret). However, they are not so useful in field conditions for an infantryman, as they do not offer the protection for the face against sun and rain that a peaked or wide brimmed hat does. The beret was found particularly useful as a uniform for armoured vehicle crewmen, and the British Tank Corps (later Royal Tank Corps) adopted the headdress as early as 1918. German AFV crews in the late 1930s also adopted a beret with the addition of a padded crash helmet inside. The colour black became popular as a tank crew headdress since it did not show oil stains picked up inside the interior of a vehicle. Black berets continue to be worn by armoured regiments throughout the Commonwealth. Berets have become the default military headdress of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, just as the tricorne, shako, kepi and peaked cap were in various early eras. The beret is now worn by elements of the military personnel of the majority of nations across the world. The three major hold-outs were the United States, Russia, and China (PRC) – all have now followed the example of the other armies in adopting berets.
About the Author

Himfr is a scholar, focusing his research on Chinese cultures. If you are interested in purchasing China goods, please visit www.himfr.com

WWII US Army M1 505th PIR M1C Paratrooper Helmet with Liner

U.S. MILITARY HELMET w/LINER & REVERSIBLE CAMO COVER MARKED US-25 $89.00

SUPER WARM Ussen BALTIC Thermal Hat – Warmest Beanie/Helmet Liner Military Army $18.94

WARM Ussen BASIC FLIGHT Thermal Hat – Warmest Beanie/Helmet Liner Military Army $15.78

US Army Military Helmet with Liner Free Local Pick up $29.99

military helmet liner size 6 1/2″ unused OD green USGI issue cold weather $6.99

military helmet liner size 7″ unused camo BDU woodland insulated cap $14.95

Authentic WWII Military Police Helmet and Liner – Very Good Condition $250.00

NOS—-US military Issue cap, cold weather insulated helmet liner—-7 1/4 $19.98

Original Military WWII Japananse Helmet,,Good liner inside $247.00

Vintage USA US Military Vietnam Era M1 Helmet/Liner/Camo Cover Hat and Picture $47.00

WWII Italian Helmet with Leather Liner German Japanese Europe campaign military $27.00

ORIGINAL WW2 MILITARY ISSUED M-1 HELMET STEEL POT FIBERGLASS LINER MOVABLE BALES $199.00

Italian M33 Military Helmet with liner $29.95

US Military Cold Weather Helmet Liner, Sz. 7 1/4, Unissued!!! $14.99

MILITARY COLD WEATHER INSULATING HELMET LINER CAP W/FACE STRAP ADULT ONE SIZE $6.00

WW II Military US Army Helmet Swivel Bale No liner Great Condition $9.95

2 VINTAGE MILITARY FLIGHT HELMET LINERS COLD WAR ERA no reserve $2.99

military helmet ground troops Type 1 liner and helmet $24.95

New BOSE Military CVC Combat Vehicle Crew Helmet Liner $75.00

BOSE Military CVC Combat Vehicle Crew Helmet Liner $49.99

MILITARY HELMET FIBERGLASS GROUND TROOPS TYPE 1 DLA-100-85-F-EC7C WITH LINER $24.30

Vintage VietNam Era US Military M1 Helmet Liner $8.99

Woodland Camouflage Military Cold Weather Open Face Helmet Liner $13.99

Woodland Camouflage Military Cold Weather Open Face Helmet Liner $13.99

Woodland Camouflage Military Cold Weather Open Face Helmet Liner $13.99

Woodland Camouflage Military Cold Weather Open Face Helmet Liner $13.99

Vintage Israeli Defense Forces IDF Military Combat Metal Helmet w/ Liner $29.99

US Army Military Ground Troop Liner Combat Helmet Type 1 $9.99

MILITARY HELMET WITH LINER GROUND TROOPS TYPE 1 WITH WEBBING AND SUSPENSION $19.99

U.S. MILITARY GROUND TROOP COMBAT HELMET LINER $25.00

US MILITARY ISSUE CVC INNER HELMET LINER by GENTEX size Medium $35.00

Vintage US Military M1 Helmet with Westinghouse Liner D29 VIETNAM KOREA WWII $1.25

Vintage Military Army Helmet Polish Poland or Russian WW2 or Post with Liner $349.00

Vintage WW11 Sweden Military Helmet Type W/Leather Liner, Good Condition $49.99

Vintage Viet Nam War Era U.S. Military Helmet Helmet W/Liner and Camo Cover $49.99

Vintage US Military Helmet with helmet liner. WWII? $19.99

Italian M33 Military Helmet with liner $49.95

Helmet Liner Dri – Fire ” Dri fit ” Wicking Football Racing Military Pilot $7.99

3 PC MILITARY HELMET SET WOODLAND CAMO LEATHER LINER $29.95

MILITARY POLICE HELMET LINER & 38. HOLSTER $20.99

Cap / Hat – Genuine Military Issue Cold Weather Helmet Liner Size 6 3/4 – New $10.99

military Helmet Liner Army Armed Force 7 1/4 DSA 100-75-C-1495 8415-00-782-2919 $10.09

US Military USMC/Army/Navy/AF MI Insulated Winter Helmet Liner $9.99

ORIGINAL WW2 MILITARY ISSUED M-1 HELMET STEEL POT FIBERGLASS LINER MOVABLE BALES $10.50

GENUINE WESTINGHOUSE U.S. ARMY MILITARY HELMET LINER ONLY!, TRENCH ART KOREAN WW $0.99

ANTIQUE PARATROOPER HELMET WWII US Military LINER Fixed Bale AIRBORNE M1 M2 602 $23.50

WWII US Military Army HELMET 506th TC & Liner $45.00

EXCELLENT U.S. M-1 STYLE STEEL MILITARY HELMET WITH LINER $119.95

Military Surplus Insulated Helmet Liner Hood Camo Size 7, 7¼ Hunting, Survival $7.99

Voodoo Tactical Foilage Green Pro-Fleece Beanie Helmet Liners Military Beanie $8.99

ACTIVE HEADLINE IT! 12 boxes/pk, $151.00 ACTIVE HEADLINE IT! 12 boxes/pk, Each box contains 10 folded and individually wrapped liners. ACTIVE HEADLINE IT! STOP SWEAT!  BEST NEW HEALTH PRODUCT OF 2007-2008 A Patented liner for HAT, HELMETS, any HEADWEAR items: Stop sweat from rolling into your eyes!. Be Comfortable.. Feel Fresh.. No more odors in hats, helmets, headwear.. No more sweat stains.. Enhance physical performance. …

Helmet Liner Padding – Skull Fit – Soft Cotton Pad $15.95 Medieval Helmets were built for battle, not comfort. Now you can proudly wear your helmet with this comfortable, soft cotton liner cap to keep your head safe. Your helmet may require additional padding, but this liner cap is definitely a great place to start!Helmet stand is not included….

U.S. GI M1 Deluxe Helmet without netting $49.95 If you like airsoft, playing Nerf or just playing army then you’ll love these genuine GI M1 issue steel helmets. Each one comes complete with high impact plastic liner,woodland camouflage cover, leather liner, headband and chin strap. These are government surplus items, so inventory is very limited. This surplus army helmet is an actual adult sized helment with an actual steel pot. However, k…

Leather Cap for Padding and Lining of Helmets $5.51 Medieval Helmets were built for battle, not comfort. This soft, comfortable liner cap is made from leather and has a soft polyester lining inside. Your helmet may require additional padding, but this liner cap is definitely a great place to start!Helmet stand is not included….

Gearbox Military Classics US Marines WWII Helmet $14.99 …

U.S. Army Uniforms of the Korean War $19.95 With his exhaustive research, author Shelby Stanton pieced together the history of the development and distribution of U.S. Army clothing and equipment during the Korean War. The vast differences in temperature and climate in Korea presented Army quartermasters with a unique challenge. Complete with many previously unpublished photos and comprehensive coverage of both summer and winter uniforms as…

The M-1 Helmet: A History of the U.S. M-1 Helmet in World War II $30.45 This new book presents over seven years of research into the history of the M-1 helmet during World War II, and provides the most comprehensive examination of its development and production. All aspects of M-1 helmet production are covered including: the helmet body, the fiber liner, the plastic liner, the parachutist helmet, helmet camouflage, helmet modifications, helmet paint schemes, and toy h…

Post-World War II M-1 Helmets: An Illustrated Study $34.24 This book presents several years of research into the history of Americas post-World War II M-1 Helmet. It provides the most comprehensive look into the research, development, and production of the M-1 Helmet during this often overlooked period. All aspects of the M-1 Helmet are covered, as well as associated research and development programs that impacted the helmet, such as the Nylon Helmet Prog…

Russian WWII M52 Helmet $18.39 One of our most popular items. An army helmet that’s great for kids of any ages. These helmets were once worn by real soldiers. Includes steel pot, helmet liner with suspension and chin strap….

Helmet Padding Liner Cap with Ties – Large Soft Cotton $6.92 Medieval Helmets were built for battle, not comfort. This soft, comfortable liner cap is of a large size with tie strings to enable you to wear your helmet. Your helmet may require additional padding, but this liner cap is definitely a great place to start!Helmet stand is not included….