Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of a possible late WWII produced, US M1 helmet as used during the Korean War. These painted helmets were a common sight to see amongst the troops in the various Regimental Combat Teams and other elements. The WWII surplus helmets leftover from the war went back to an arsenal to be refurbished, repainted and refitted for use during the Korean War into the Vietnam War. This helmet was repainted and used during the Korean War era, possibly into early Vietnam. The Westinghouse liner is WWII era with Korean War era webbing.
The helmet is in wonderful condition, with the original liner with sweatband but is unfortunately missing the nape strap and some of the suspension is torn/disconnected. The heat stamp on the shell has been difficult to locate due to the repaint, but from the shape and design, we do believe this to be a McCord Radiator produced example. The exterior of the helmet appears to have undergone a period depot repaint, most likely when the “Indian Tricolor” markings were added. We have not been able to identify what these markings were used for, but we believe this to be an element’s tactical marking used amongst the RCTs or a possible Indian Army Attaché used for medical support.
The liner is a great example of a WWII “high pressure” liner by Westinghouse with 1950s dated webbing. The dates on the webbing is difficult to read due to ink bleeding from when it was stamped. The leather liner chinstrap is present but is unfortunately in a rather fragile state.
The liner is correct "high pressure" WWII issue and stamped with a W under mold number 36, for manufacture by 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). 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 is a lovely helmet and comes more than ready for further research and display.
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