Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice example of a genuine WWII manufactured helmet that was also used during the Korean War and issued to the U.S. Marine Corps, complete with a very rare EGA- Marked HBT Reversible Camouflage cover which is dated 1953. 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. 

In World War II the production of the M1 helmet began in June 1941 and ceased in September 1945. The total production of M-1 helmet shells during the war reached 22,000,000. Of these about 20,000,000 were produced by the main contractor McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company of Detroit. Although McCord was supposed to be the single source of M-1 helmet shells, by the summer of 1942 a second company was enlisted to help the production effort. This was Schlueter Manufacturing of St. Louis, Missouri. Schlueter began production of its M-1 helmet shells in January 1943. Schlueter produced only 2,000,000 M-1 helmet shells during the war (both fixed and swivel). 

The early M-1 helmet shells had a set of fixed (static) 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  much of its original WWII parts. It was reissued for the Korean War and the shell has all original "corked" grain with over paint. It features a front seam, swivel bales, however unfortunately we were not able to locate a heat lot number on the inside due to the over paint. These numbers were added before stamping and final cutting, so sometimes they could be under the rim, or off the helmet completely.

The shell is covered with a good condition but well used reversible 1953 dated USMC camouflage helmet cover, which is marked on both sides with the Marine Corps "EGA" (Eagle Globe Anchor) insignia. The cover has faded nicely and has some tearing along the edge of the helmet all adding to its historical appeal.

The liner is 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.

This true US WWII M-1 helmet liner be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WW2 features include cotton herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension. This HBT suspension is held tightly within the M-1 helmet liner by rivets and a series of triangular "A" washers. The three upper suspension bands are joined together with a string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The leather liner chinstrap is absent.

An wonderful genuine Korean issue helmet, with a very rare original USMC HBT camouflage cover, perfect for any collection! Ready to display!