Item:
ONJR23RNJ104

Original U.S. Vietnam Ingersoll M1 Helmet with USMC Camouflage Cover and 1956 Dated Liner With 12th Field Artillery and 77th Infantry Division Decals

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. The M1 helmet is a combat helmet that was used by the United States military from World War II until 1985, when it was succeeded by the PASGT helmet. For over forty years, the M1 was standard issue for the U.S. military. The M1 helmet has become an icon of the American military, with its design inspiring other militaries around the world.

Vietnam War era M-1 helmet shells have a set of swivel (movable) chinstrap loops called bales and a manganese steel rim. These rims had non-magnetic qualities that reduced the chance of error readings when placed around certain sensitive equipment (such as a compass). In WWII the shells had Stainless Steel rims, however these would easily lose paint, and the shine produced without paint was a liability.

This helmet is a fine Vietnam War issued example and still retains most of its original period parts, and the shell has the original Green finish. The helmet's heat lot code is I 6213, which indicates manufacture by Ingersoll Rand Products, who produced a total of 3,174,296 helmet shells between 1965-1968 during the Vietnam Period.

It is equipped with a standard USMC Reversible Camouflage cover, which has a contract date code for 1964. It is held in place by the elastic band that retains the cover. The helmet, cover, shell, and liner are all correct for a Vietnam war helmet.

The helmet comes complete with high pressure early Vietnam War era liner, which is stamped with MICARTA 1956 inside the crown. The liner does not have a frontal eyelet, indicating that it is a post Korean war manufacture. A new suspension system for the M1 Helmet Liner was introduced in 1964, however this one still retains the immediate Post Korean war liner and webbing, which is nearly identical to the WWII issue liners.

The left side of the liner has the decal for the 77th Infantry “Liberty” Division while the right has a decal for the 12th Field Artillery.

The included USMC reversible camouflage cover is in very good service worn condition, complete with the elastic securing band. There is a bit of wear through around the edges, and overall fading, typical of a cover that saw actual service in the field.

One of the tabs on the bottom of the cover is marked:

COVER HELMET CAMOUFLAGE
CONTRACT NO. 8027
FSN-8415-261-6833
100% COTTON
DPSC DIR OF MFG

The contract number 8027 puts the date of manufacture for the cover as being late 1964 to early 1965 and is offered in near unissued condition.

These helmets have become increasingly difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine Vietnam War issue ones from the USMC. Ready to add to your collection and display!

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