Item:
ONSV22WOS84

Original U.S. Vietnam War USMC M1 Helmet with Original Graffiti On Mitchel Pattern Camouflage Cover

Item Description

Original Item: One of a Kind. An outstanding example of an original, untouched condition, Vietnam War USMC used M1 Helmet with Mitchell Pattern Reversible Camouflage Cover featuring original period graffiti and artwork!

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 produced without paint was a liability. Needless to say, this helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original Vietnam War parts and the shell has the original OD Green finish on the interior and exterior of the helmet. It still has the correct complete chin strap. The cover is almost rusted solid onto the helmet itself.

Looking closely however reveals that the cover itself was personalized by the owner with numerous slogans and drawings. The front of the helmet has a US Marine Corps EGA Device stenciled to the front. There is a period metallic peace sign affixed to the cover. Next to that is a Diamond which has written around it “Grayling/Michigan” (obviously the Marine’s hometown), with “74/5-2” written inside. We can't figure out what this exactly means, but I'm sure it had some meaning to the original owner. On the front left side of the helmet is a peace symbol with the word “Peace” written inside, along with the word “June” below. The writing is quite faded, so it was not added any time recently. And is most certainly period. The writing does not exhibit signs of laundering or artificial contrived aging, which is a solid way to tell the markings are quite old.

The liner is correct 1967 Dated M1 Liner which is the airborne model, equipped with chinstrap yokes. The sweatband is in good condition, and the rear is marked a Vietnam era date of 1974 (most likely a post war replacement). The airborne A-Yokes for the chincup are intact, although the chincup itself is missing (which was routinely removed, as the chincups were rarely worn outside of combat jumps (which rarely occurred in Vietnam). Since we cannot remove the cover, due to it being rusted to the outer shell, we cannot fully read the camouflage cover markings. The elastic band is the issue band for the period, and matched the age perfectly with the helmet.

These helmets have become increasingly difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine Vietnam War with some great personalization that is legitimately period, unlike most helmets on the market today. . Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year!

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