Original Item: Only One Available. 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). They placed an "S" stamp on their helmet shells above their "heat temperature stamp".

Aside from the markings, there are some subtle differences between a McCord and Schlueter M-1 helmet shell. This can be found on the rims. A Schlueter helmet shell has a much straighter profile than the classic McCord brim. Also the weld marks for the fixed bales and rim are small and round on a Schlueter, while they are oval and wide for a McCord.

This rare mid war production helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WWII parts and paint, though there definitely is wear. The steel shell is stamped 188M along with a large S, indicating Schlueter manufacture and dating from mid 1943.

The M-1 helmet shell has a stainless steel rim with seam in the front. Stainless steel 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 features the correct front seam rim and early production fixed bales. One of the chin straps was torn and hastily repaired long ago but does not appear to be war time done.

Covering the helmet shell is an original OD Green helmet net, which is in very good, used condition. It does have some tears in areas, but has a great "battle-worn" look that collectors love.

The liner is correct "high pressure" WWII issue and stamped with a W for the Westinghouse Electric Co.. Manufactured in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this "high pressure" manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed "W" in the crown (which is still Westinghouse's logo to this day). Westinghouse was the largest M-1 helmet liner producer and had two production divisions; Micarta and Bryant Electric. The Micarta Division produced about 13,000,000 M-1 helmet liners and the Bryant Electric Division about 10,000,000. Westinghouse Electric Company started M-1 helmet liner delivery in May 1942.

Westinghouse did have a contract to produce airborne liners and converted an unknown amount to airborne configuration. Westinghouse discontinued production around August 17, 1945 when the war ended.

A true US WWII M-1 helmet liner can usually 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 shoestring. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The webbing all shows some wear, and there is some tearing near the attachment rivets. Also the sweatband definitely has some age and wear related degradation, and the fittings do show verdigris from age and oxidation.

The shell chin strap is present and intact, with the expected wear from age and service. It is the correct OD Green #3 from a mid war helmet, with a steel buckle. It shows some small tears and the buckle is oxidized. The shell chinstrap is the correct leather, with a brass buckle, and is still soft and pliable. The liner chinstrap is missing.

Schlueter helmets have become extremely difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine fixed bale versions. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year.