Original U.S. WWII Early War US Navy Beach Battalion NBB Painted McCord Front Seam Fixed Bale M1 Helmet with MSA Liner & Net
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a genuine WWII Front-Seam Fixed Bale M1 Helmet made by McCord Radiator, fitted with a liner by MSA. This helmet is a rather rare example as both the shell and liner bear matching painted white bands around the circumference. These markings were used by the US Navy Beach Battalion during the D-Day invasion. The U.S. WWII M-1 helmet was only produced from 1941 to 1945. The first production batch resulted with over 323,510 M-1 helmets before the start of the American involvement in the war.
The Ordnance Department selected McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company of Detroit Michigan to produce the steel M1 helmet bodies. These bodies were made from a single piece of Hadfield Manganese steel that was produced by the Carnegie-Illinois & Sharon Steel Corporations. Each completed raw M-1 helmet shell weighed 2.25 lbs each. This example has been repainted, so we cannot see the heat lot code. However the oval welds on the front seam are definitive for a McCord shell. Schlueter shells had small circular welds.
This very good condition M1 shell has correct early war fixed chinstrap loops, called "bales," and a stainless steel rim with a front seam. These 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 November 1944 the specification was changed to have the rim seam in the rear of the helmet.
This helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WW2 parts. There is also the usual wear on the stainless steel rim. It has the correct early war OD green #3 Chin strap with a cast brass buckle, which suggests 1942-1943 production. The helmet is heat lot stamped with 167A further identifying this helmet as being early 1942 produced. It is however quite worn, so this is definitely a helmet that saw long service.
The correct "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. 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 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 still present, however the leather is quite fragile. Overall the webbing is slightly stained and does have some tearing due to age and exposure. The leather liner chin strap is present and tucked inside of the liner. This was most likely done during the war and it is recommended that no attempts be made to reposition it due to the fragile state of it.
A very nice genuine early WWII issue helmet, perfect for any collection! Ready to display!
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