Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a genuine late war rear seam swivel bale M-1C helmet with original paint. This M-1 paratrooper helmet is what would have been used during WWII by members of the various Parachute Infantry Regiments towards the end of the war and into the Korean War era. There are a few repaints visible which were not uncommon. There are faint splotches of dark red paint on the exterior with a bunch visible on the interior of the shell.
M1Cs were a variant of the U.S. Army’s popular and iconic M1 helmet developed in WWII to replace the M2 helmet. There were several differences between the M1 and M2 including the bales (chin strap hinges). The M2 had fixed, spot welded “D” bales, so named because of the shape they took. It was found that these bales broke when sat down or dropped. It was refitted to use the swivel bales, which could be moved around and was therefore less prone to breaking.
The M-1C helmet retains its original cork grain paint and swivel bale chinstrap loops. It also has original shuttle loom sewn chinstraps set with original hardware and snaps. The shell is marked 1159 J indicating it was manufactured by the McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company of Detroit Michigan in January 1945. The shell itself shows heavy signs of use and wear, all evident signs of a long life of military use.
The liner is an original WWII issue 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 open cup paratrooper chin strap missing. 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 is definitely aged and worn, with some tears. The sweatband is present but deteriorated slightly due to age and use. The paratrooper chin strap extensions are both complete with their cast steel buckles.
This is a lovely late war/Korean War era Paratrooper helmet. Comes ready for further research and display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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