Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of a circa 1944-1945 U.S. Army MIlitary Police Helmet. It is an excellent WWII M1 Swivel-Bale Helmet with liner by Westinghouse in good condition. The helmet exhibits original U.S. Army Military Police markings painted on the shell in the classic form. The most notable aspect is the original period red & white band around the circumference and white MP painted to the front. “MP” stands for Military Police, of course. Military Police Helmets were a common sight during WWII, both stateside and overseas. However, many were repainted in the years following WWII, when the helmets were refurbished for reissue, much like this one. The M1 helmet was repainted and used during the Korean War era and possibly after. The Westinghouse liner is WWII era with Korean War era webbing.
The helmet is in great condition, with the original liner complete with original sweatband and nape strap. The shell is marked with a heat lot number 941K which places production to be approximately January 1945. The helmet retains the original chinstrap which is sat upon the back brim. The exterior of the helmet appears to have undergone a period depot repaint, most likely when the MP markings were added. It is our feeling that this helmet dates to the last year of WWII, or even during occupation immediately following the war.
The liner is correct high pressure WWII issue and stamped with a W for the Westinghouse Electric Co Manufactured in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this "high pressure" manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed "W" in the crown (which is still Westinghouse's logo to this day). Westinghouse was the largest M-1 helmet liner producer and had two production divisions; Micarta and Bryant Electric.
The Micarta Division produced about 13,000,000 M-1 helmet liners and the Bryant Electric Division about 10,000,000. Westinghouse Electric Company started M-1 helmet liner delivery in May 1942. Westinghouse did have a contract to produce airborne liners and converted an unknown amount to airborne configuration. Westinghouse discontinued production around August 17, 1945 when the war ended.
The liner is painted on both sides with the insignia of the South Carolina National Guard, indicating that it saw use with them before, during, or after the Korean War. The liner is missing the chinstrap, and appears to have had a name that was worn away near the edge.
This is a lovely WWII produced helmet and liner which saw use after the war, into the Korean War era and possibly early Vietnam.
Comes more than 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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