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.
 
This rare helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WW2 parts and paint. The steel shell is stamped but unfortunately due to the repaint, it is difficult to read. To complete the lovely look of the shell is a WWII era British Dual Color Helmet Net.
 
The liner is correct "high pressure Korean War Era issue and stamped with a W over mold number 31, 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). There is also a CAPAC logo above this, with 5 1 surrounding it, indicating 1951 manufacturer.
 
Westinghouse was the largest M-1 helmet liner producer during WWII. With the outbreak of the Korean conflict, they resumed making helmet liners, which were quite similar to the WWII configuration.
 
There is some confusion over these liners, and some believe that CAPAC purchased liner molds from Westinghouse, and added their own logo, while not removing the Westinghouse logo. Whichever it is, the liner is definitely Korean war issue, but very early, as the liner configuration is nearly identical to WWII, with the webbing color being the main difference.
 
This true US Korean War M-1 helmet liner can be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WWII features include cotton dark OD Green #7 herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in very good shape, with a bit of age fading. 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 present and shows moderate wear. Parts of the rear webbing are unfortunately torn away and missing.
 
The paratrooper chin strap extensions are both complete with their cast brass buckles, and are in the correct OD Green #7, which matches the aged color of the rigging perfectly. The original leather chin strap for the liner is still present, though worn, and the paratrooper chin cup is missing.
 
There is a partial name and service number painted in white on the front underside brim, but unfortunately we have not been able to locate any service information for what appears to be Robert S. Vann.
 
A Korean War Issued M1 helmet with a very interesting history! Ready to research and display!