Original U.S. Vietnam War 1st Air Cavalry Division Reconnaissance Unit Marked M1 Helmet
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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 stainless steel rim with a rear seam. These 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).
These shells were for the most part identical to late war manufactured helmets, and the only real way to identify them is with the heat lot code. The code on this helmet is I 1537, indicating that the shell was manufactured by Ingersoll, which produced helmet shells for the Vietnam war along with McCord.
This helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original Vietnam War parts and the shell has all original corked grain paint. The inner shell paint is also in great shape, with just a bit of water damage.
The liner is correct high pressure 1960s issue liner, with the standard markings for the period: F 26. There is also a manufacture date of 21 JULY 1967 on the suspension. The liner is actually a paratrooper liner, with the extra chin strap mounts, rear support, and snaps under the bales. However the shell is not set up with a chin strap for this liner. The rigging is intact and in great shape, with original markings visible on the back of many of the web components.
The 1st Cavalry Division, like many other units, was repurposed during the Vietnam Conflict into an "Air Cavalry" division, which basically replaced the horses with Helicopters. This unit is specifically marked to one of the Recon units, which often worked long range behind enemy lines to prepare for the main divisions assault.
These helmets have become increasingly difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine Vietnam War issue ones with unit markings. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year!
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