Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a genuine WWII Issue U.S. Marine Corps issued helmet, complete with a very rare EGA- Marked HBT Reversible Camouflage cover. 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. 

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). 

The early M-1 helmet shells had a set of fixed (static) chinstrap loops called "bales" and a stainless steel rim. 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).

This helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WWII parts and the shell has all original "corked" grain paint. It features a front seam, fixed bales, however unfortunately we were not able to locate a heat lot number on the inside. These numbers were added before stamping and final cutting, so sometimes they could be under the rim, or off the helmet completely. Looking at the profile and shape of the brim, as well as the larger size oval weld marks on the rim, this is definitely a McCord shell. The OD Green #3 Chin strap with cast brass buckles would indicate manufacture in the 1941-42 period.

The shell is covered with a very good condition reversible USMC camouflage helmet cover, which is marked on both sides with the Marine Corps "EGA" (Eagle Globe Anchor) insignia. We've never had a cover in this great condition before with the EGA on both sides still clearly visible.

The helmet also features one of the rare early-war "low pressure" liners, which were were constructed of rubber fiber, and were the thinnest construction of all WWII Liners. This liner was manufactured by St. Clair, and features the yellow stamped SC marking on the crown. This liner is a bit interesting though, as it has steel triangular "A" washers, and the standard OD Green #3 HBT suspension, which was held over for the later versions of the liner. Usually St. Clair liners have unique square washers, and rayon suspension, so this is the second pattern. The low pressure liners were then deemed insufficient, so new contractors were found to make the "high pressure" liners.

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 very 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 present, though the leather has deteriorated due to sweat and age, which has resulted in it shrinking and becoming very brittle.  The liner chin strap is present, but very delicate and brittle, as it has shrunk and become very hard.

An excellent genuine WWII issue helmet, with a very rare original USMC HBT camouflage cover, perfect for any collection! Ready to display!