Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The M1 helmet is a combat helmet that was used by the United States military from World War II until 1985, when it was succeeded by the PASGT helmet. For over forty years, the M1 was standard issue for the U.S. military. The M1 helmet has become an icon of the American military, with its design inspiring other militaries around the world.
Vietnam War era M-1 helmet shells have a set of swivel (movable) chinstrap loops called bales and a manganese steel rim. These rims had non-magnetic qualities that reduced the chance of error readings when placed around certain sensitive equipment (such as a compass). In WWII the shells had Stainless Steel rims, however these would easily lose paint, and the shine the produced without paint was a liability.
This helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original Vietnam War parts, and the shell has the original dark OD Green finish. The front of the helmet has a black oak leaf badge attached to the front, the "subdued" color for a Lt. Colonel rank. It looks to be made of aluminum, which has worn through in a few spots. The helmet's heat lot code of I 4451 is clearly visible, which indicates manufacture by Ingersoll Rand Products, who produced a total of 3,174,296 helmet shells between 1965-1968 during the Vietnam Period. The shell still retains the correct Vietnam type chin strap, attached to the swivel bales, with the modified buckle designed to give way under excessive load, such as from an explosion.
The correct WWII "high pressure" style M-1 Helmet liner was manufactured by Mine Safety Appliances of Evans City, Pennsylvania, as identified by an embossed stylized MSA logo in the crown. It is also marked with mold number 5. Mine Safety Appliance started M-1 helmet liner delivery to the US Army in September 1942. They produced approximately between 2,000,000 – 4,000,000 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 WWII features include OD Green #3 cotton herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in very good shape. 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 the correct OD green string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The sweatband is a Vietnam War replacement, and has DSA stock number markings on the back of the securing strap.
These helmets have become increasingly difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine Vietnam War issue ones with WWII Liners. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year!
- This product is available for international shipping.
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