Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a genuine WWII-manufactured Rear-Seam Swivel Bale M1 Helmet likely made by McCord Radiator, with a Firestone liner and HBT camouflage cover. The U.S. WWII M-1 helmet was only produced from 1941 to 1945. The first production batch resulted with over 323,510 M-1 helmets before the start of the American involvement in the war. The heat stamp on the helmet is obscured by rust, so we are unable to identify the manufacture of the helmet shell.
The Ordnance Department selected McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company of Detroit Michigan to produce the steel M1 helmet bodies. These bodies were made from a single piece of Hadfield Manganese steel that was produced by the Carnegie-Illinois & Sharon Steel Corporations. Each completed raw M-1 helmet shell weighed 2.25 lbs each.
The helmet has swivel bales, and the Korean War era chinstrap is gone on one side, and oxidized on the other. The helmet cover is in rough shape, having sat on the helmet for decades with rust leaking through. The cover of this example has been stenciled on one side with 1ST MARINE / DIVISION along with a depiction of a playing card and a skull & crossbones being drawn onto the cover, all of which appears period. The cover does not have any manufacture markings we could find.
The helmet liner is a correct “high pressure” WWII issue and stamped with an F logo for the FIRESTONE TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY. Manufactured in Akron, Ohio this “high pressure” manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed “F” in the crown. Firestone Tire and Rubber Company started M-1 helmet liner delivery to the US Army in September 1942. They produced approximately 7,500,000 M-1 helmet liners and discontinued production around August 17 1945 when the war ended.
The liner’s suspension was replaced in the Korean War era. It is in fair condition with some heavy wear to the lining. The chinstrap is gone.
The stencils on the cover are a great research project. Comes ready for further research and display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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