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 example and still retains most of its original Vietnam War parts, and the shell has the original dark OD Green finish. It is fitted with a very nice USMC reversible camouflage cover, and some lovely accessories to complete the look, held in place by the elastic band that retains the cover.

The helmet's heat lot code of I 8731 is clearly visible inside the shell, which indicates manufacture by Ingersoll Rand Products, who produced a total of 3,174,296 helmet shells between 1965-1968 during the Vietnam Period. The helmet has lost the original chin strap, however it more than makes up for that with the great personalization done to the helmet.

As with many helmet covers used in Vietnam, this one has had lots of information written on the sides. The rear is marked with the owner's nickname and hometown:

On the right side is is marked with information regarding the Battle of A Shau Valley, which occurred March 9–10, 1966:

On the left there is information regarding the Battle of Khe Sanh, which took place  21 January – 9 July 1968.

The helmet also has numerous personal items secured under the large rubber band that secures the Camouflage cover. These include a pack of CAMEL cigarettes (crushed), a feather, an Italian made tobacco pipe, and a 10 round belt of deactivated small arms cartridges.

We unfortunately have no way of verifying the writing and accessories, but the helmet, shell, and liner are all correct for a Vietnam war helmet.

The helmet comes complete with high pressure Korean war Issue liner, which is stamped with the CAPAC Manufacturing Company logo on the top, and has a frontal eyelet. There is a 5 1 stamped around the logo, indicating 1951 manufacture. There is also the Westinghouse logo, as by this time CAPAC was a division of Westinghouse.

The design of Korean War era liners was mostly identical to the WWII issue, except the webbing is dark OD Green #7, not the WWII OD Green #3. This HBT 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 present, however the leather is almost entirely deteriorated and crumbled away. There is an issue marking on the back of the sweatband indicating 1956 manufacture. The liner chin strap is unfortunately missing, which is not uncommon.

The included USMC reversible camouflage cover is in very good lightly worn condition, complete with the elastic securing band. There is light wear in some areas, as well as some light rust staining. The color is retained very well, on both sides.

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

COVER, HELMET, CAMOUFLAGE
CONTRACT NO. 9005
8415-261-6833

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