Original U.S. Vietnam War 759th Military Police Battalion Ingersoll M1 Helmet with Matching Painted Liner
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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.
The 759th Military Police Battalion is a military police battalion in the United States Army. It is currently stationed at Fort Carson, CO – "The Mountain Post". It is administratively controlled by the 4th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade at Fort Carson, and is a part of the 89th Military Police Brigade at Fort Cavazos, Texas.
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 example and still retains all of its original Vietnam War parts, and the shell has the original dark OD Green finish. The exterior has MP painted on the front, with 759 on the side for the 759th Military Police Battalion, and the correct Red and White stripes for a Vietnam War era member of the Military Police. These helmets are quite a bit harder to find than unmarked ones, and this is the first Vietnam MP helmet that we have had in a while.
This example comes with a fantastic matching liner, painted with the same MP, 759 and red/white stripes, but with a great decal of the DI for the 759th MP pasted to the side opposite the 759.
The helmet's heat lot code is visible, which appears to be I 1044, 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 liner is correct high pressure 1960s issue liner, marked on the inner crown with US / 29, a typical Vietnam Era liner marking. It has the classic support straps and rigging held in place by "A" Washers riveted to the liner, with a thick top tie. The sweatband is good, but does show quite a bit of wear and staining. This is definitely a helmet that saw extensive service. The liner chin strap is unfortunately missing, but the shell chin strap is intact and in great shape.
These helmets have become increasingly difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine Vietnam War issue ones with Military Police Markings. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year!
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