Item:
ONSV23NCN163

Original U.S. Vietnam War M1 Helmet with Personalized 1st Squadron, 16th Cavalry Regiment Reversible Camouflage Cover and Westinghouse/CAPAC Liner - Complete

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 Vietnam War issued example and still retains most of its original period parts, and the shell has the original Green finish.

It is equipped with a standard Reversible Camouflage cover, which has a contract date code for 1970. It is held in place by the elastic band that retains the cover. The graffiti that is present on the cover does appear to be aged but may not be period and without sufficient history on the original owner of the helmet it makes it difficult to determine the age.

The helmet, cover, shell, and liner are all correct for a Vietnam war helmet. The helmet comes complete with high pressure Vietnam War era liner, which was originally produced by Westinghouse and then reffitted and reissued by CAPAC for use during the Vietnam War era.

The liner does not have a frontal eyelet, indicating that it is a post Korean war manufacture. A new suspension system for the M1 Helmet Liner was introduced in 1964. The new system featured three webbing straps that could each be adjusted to hold the liner at the right height on the head. The liner also had a new neck band assembly, which consisted of a rectangular webbed body with three straps that attached to small buckles inside the liner. The P64 Infantry liner was also the first version not to have a leather chin strap though this example has the attachment point for a leather chinstrap if you would wish to attach one to it.

The included reversible camouflage cover is in very good, light service worn condition. There is a bit of wear around the edges, and overall slight fading, typical of a cover that saw actual service in the field.

These helmets have become increasingly difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine Vietnam War issue ones.

Ready to add to your collection and display!

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