Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of a circa 1944-1945 U.S. Army MIlitary Police Helmet. It is an excellent WWII M1 Swivel-Bale Helmet with liner by Capac in excellent condition. The helmet exhibits original U.S. Army Military Police markings painted on the shell in the classic form. The most notable aspect is the original period red band around the circumference and white MP painted to the front. “MP” stands for Military Police, of course. Military Police Helmets were a common sight during WWII, both stateside and overseas. However, many were repainted in the years following WWII, when the helmets were refurbished for reissue, much like this one. The M1 helmet was repainted and used during the Korean War era and possibly after. The Capac liner is WWII era with Korean War era 1953 dated webbing.
The helmet is in absolutely stunning condition, with the original liner complete with original sweatband and nape strap. The shell is marked with a heat lot number 1195A which places production to be approximately March 1945. Helmet is missing the chinstraps. The exterior of the helmet appears to have undergone a period depot repaint, most likely when the MP markings were added. It is our feeling that this helmet dates to the last year of WWII, or even during occupation immediately following the war.
Manufactured in Capac, Michigan the "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. This true M1 liner can be identified through the frontal eyelet hole.
The suspension webbing has the date of 1953 still partly visible on the nape strap, which is unfortunately torn. The left side of the helmet features what we believe to be the Military Police unit, but we have not been able to identify which element. The right side of the liner has a lovely 76th Infantry Division insignia on it, which a large bit of the red portion missing.
This is a lovely WWII produced helmet and liner which saw use after the war, into the Korean War era and possibly early Vietnam.
Comes more than ready for further research and display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
