Original Item: Only One Available. The American Airborne troops used the same M1 helmet as the rest of the Army (and Marine Corps). However, the liner and chin straps were modified to prevent them from separating during parachute jumps. These were known as the M2 and M1C helmets. The first paratroopers used the M-2 (a.k.a. "D-bale"). These had a modified, D-shaped wire for the chin strap on the shell. This was found to be susceptible to breakage, so it was switched in favor of the swivel bale design in late 1943.

This is an original WWII almost unissued condition M1 helmet "high pressure" liner, stamped with the Westinghouse Company logo, and is an original manufactured paratrooper liner. Many liners were "updated" after production to fill the need, but this example was that way from the start. The liner is complete with full suspension and sweatband, with the original paratrooper chin strap. The liner is definitely a 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.

This true M1 liner can be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct features include OD Green #3 cotton herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner. 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 tie string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The original suspension shows signs of little to no use. The sweatband is present and slightly stained and darkened by sweat. The paratrooper chin strap extensions are both complete with their cast steel buckles, and are in the correct OD Green #3, which matches the aged color of the rigging perfectly. Unfortunately the leather chin strap is missing.

Paratrooper liners are the hardest to find of all WWII M1 helmet liners. This fine example is almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year!