Original Item: Only One Available. After WWII concluded, the U.S. military was left with large numbers of still serviceable M1 helmets, as well as many that were never put into service.  The M1 helmet specifications went through some changes before the Korean War started, however existing stocks were still perfectly acceptable, so many were re-issued from components on hand.

This example is a bit interesting, in that a rare early WWII "Low Pressure" liner was fit into a late WWII rare Schlueter made shell, both with their WWII Components still intact. It was then fitted with a 1953-dated U.S.M.C. camouflage cover, and issued to the Marine Corps during the Korean war, and then we purchased it at a military show.

During 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". 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. Also the shape of the spot welds used to attach the chin strap bales and rim were different.

This late war production helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WWII parts and corked grain paint. The steel shell is stamped 515A along with a large S indicating Schlueter manufacture towards the end of WWII. It still retains the original correct OD Green #7 sewn on chin strap attached to its swivel bales, with the correct stamped steel buckle.

The M-1 helmet shell design originally had a stainless steel rim with seam in the front. Stainless steel 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). However, the stainless steel proved to be a liability, as the paint did not adhere as well, and then the rim became very shiny and visible in the field. In October of 1944, the rim material was then changed to the same Hadfield-Manganese steel as the rest of he shell, and at the same time, the rim seam was moved to the back of the helmet. This helmet was produced after that change.

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 Hood Rubber, and features the white stamped HR marking on the crown, steel triangular "A" washers, and the standard OD Green #3 HBT suspension, which was held over for the later versions of the liner. St. Clair also made the low pressure liner, but they used unique square washers and rayon suspension. The low pressure liners, like the Hawley paper liners, were found to be inadequate, and were replaced with the "high pressure" liner, so finding one still in a helmet is quite rare, as they were sold off to be children's toys.

The rigging in the liner is still mostly intact, though there is rust damage and some tearing due to deterioration. The sweatband is still present, but only 4 of the retaining clips are still there, and the leather is a bit cracked. Like all true US WWII M-1 helmet liners, this liner has the front vent eyelet hole. 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, though unfortunately the liner chin strap is completely missing. Still, it's a great original example of a rare "low-pressure" liner.

Covering the helmet and retained by the liner is a Korean War issue U.S.M.C. reversible camouflage cover. This style of cover is similar to the later Vietnam issue, however the pattern is different, and the fabric weaving pattern is in fact Herringbone Twill (HBT), instead of the Percale pattern used during the Vietnam war. This fine cover is in great shape, with minimal wear and staining, and is even still marked under one of the flaps:

COVER, HELMET, CAMOUFLAGE
BLUE ANCHOR OVERALL CO., INC.
TAP-1424 29 APRIL 1953

Judging from the condition, this helmet didn't see much front line service during the Korean war, possibly due to the less popular liner. The fortunately has left it in very good collectible condition. Schlueter helmets have become extremely difficult to find in recent years. A WWII Helmet with a great history, almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year.