Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. 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. This helmet is stamped 184E which indicates the approximate manufacture date of June 1942, about a year before the transition.
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 later M-1 helmet shells had a set of swivel (movable) chinstrap loops called bales and a stainless steel rim. These rims were both rust resistant and had "non-magnetic qualities" that reduced the chance of error readings when placed around certain sensitive equipment (such as a compass). This helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WW2 parts and the shell has all original "corked" grain paint. The chinstrap of this example is missing about half of it, with the remnants barely holding onto the fixed bales.
This example has Captain’s bars painted on the front with U.S.A. painted below it crudely. This was likely done post-war.
The liner is the correct high pressure WWII issue and stamped with the Firestone Manufacturing Company F logo stamped in the crown. The liner is fitted with a frontal eyelet, and features OD#3 (aka Khaki) web HBT suspension fitted by blacked A-Washers. The liner comes complete with WWII correct sweatband and nape strap, although the leather of the sweatband is heavily cracked with lots of material loss. The liner chinstrap is broken and only the two ends remain on the bales.
These helmets have become increasingly difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine WW2 issue liners with the correct HBT straps and buckles. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year! A fantastic example of a rank painted officer’s helmet, ready for display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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