Item:
ONSV5453

Original U.S. WWII Officer Camouflage M1 Helmet by Schlueter with CAPAC Liner

Item Description

Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This WWII U.S. Officer helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WW2 parts and rare hand painted camouflage. The helmet bears a hand painted Lieutenant bar to the front. The original corked grain finish is present as is the original paint which was over painted in sections with a brother green paint to resemble foliage. The steel shell is stamped 360A S indicating Schlueter manufactured this helmet in 1944. This example retains it shell chinstrap.

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". M-1 helmet shells had 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 features the correct front seam rim and later war swivel bales. 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.

The liner is correct high pressure WWII issue and stamped with the Capac Manufacturing Company logo with frontal eyelet. Manufactured in Capac, Michigan this high pressure manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed cross with the words Capac in the crown. Capac Manufacturing Company 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.

A true US WWII M-1 helmet liner can usually be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WW2 features include cotton herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension. 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 a shoestring. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. All parts of this liner are original WWII manufacture and are in great condition. The sweatband and liner chinstrap are absent.

Schlueter helmets have become extremely difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine WW2 issue liners with the correct original HBT straps, then add the 5th Division insignia to the front and this is on heck of a helmet for any collection!
  • This product is available for international shipping.
  • Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Cash For Collectibles