Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a Mid-War M1 Helmet produced by Schlueter, complete with its original liner. It is in very nice shape, and even has an original OD green helmet net installed!

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 nice mid war production helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WWII parts with some light wear from service. It does look like the shell exterior was repainted at some point during the war.

The steel shell is stamped 281A along with a large S, indicating Schlueter manufacture and dating from late 1943 to mid 1944, when the manganese rim was introduced. M-1 helmet shell originally had 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). In 1944, due to issues with paint flaking off the bright stainless steel, the rim was changed to use non-magnetic manganese steel, which retained the paint and was not shiny. Shortly after this in November 1944 the switch was made to rear seams. This helmet features the correct front seam stainless steel rim and mid war production swivel bales.

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. It still has an intact draw string on the interior, which is not used to secure it.

The liner is correct "high pressure" WWII issue and stamped with a W under mold number D22, for manufacture by the the Westinghouse Electric Co of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. These "high pressure" manufactured M-1 helmet liner are 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.

This true US WWII M-1 helmet liner be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WWII features include cotton OD Green #3 herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in worn condition, with some areas having torn away from the securing washers. 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 in good condition, showing wear and moderate staining. There is a bit of rust in areas, and this is definitely a liner that saw use during the war. The exterior has been repainted, and it even had a 40th Armored Division logo on it at one point.

The shell strap is the correct OD Green #3 from a mid war helmet, with a stamped steel buckle. It shows light wear, but is really in great shape. The liner chinstrap is unfortunately missing.

Schlueter helmets have become extremely difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine front seam example. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year.