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 the 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 2203 for 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 1970. 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 Vietnam War era liner, which is embossed with a stylized F inside the crown, along with some mold ID numbers. This indicates manufacture by Firestone Rubber Company, who had made liners during WWII, and received additional contracts during the Vietnam Era. The liner does not have a frontal eyelet, indicating that it is a post Korean war manufacture.
This 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 OD green string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The sweatband is completely missing, most likely removed due to wear or for use in another helmet. The liner chinstrap is leather, but unfortunately is only about 50% present.
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. DSA100-70-C-0822
8415-261-6833
F.S.N. 8415-261-6833
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!
- This product is available for international shipping.
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