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. Many were also supplied to U.S. allies during the 50 years following WWII. This example is marked on the right side with the U.S. Army 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) insignia, and on the left side with the Special Forces Distinctive Unit Insignia. The special forces were very active during the Vietnam war, however they were not a large group, so all of the items they used are quite rare.
The helmet comes with a set of GOGGLES SUN WIND AND DUST that are dated 1974, which came with the helmet. They would definitely have come in handy for Airborne units, particularly if transported by Helicopter, which would raise immense amounts of wind and dust.
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 looks to be 1235 A, though it is not entirely clear. This could be a very late WWII issue shell, reissued for use in Vietnam, but without removing the interior paint, it would be impossible to tell.
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.
The liner is correct high pressure 1960s issue liner, marked simply with U.S. / 5 / M11, for an unknown manufacture. The liner is a correct paratrooper liner, and looks to have been set up like that from the factory, though unfortunately the right side securing snap has broken off. It has correct paratrooper chin strap mounting straps, though the chin cup itself is missing. The shell has the correct standard chin strap, with additional extensions to snap onto the liner, though at some point they were flipped around, and do not properly mount to the liner. The sweatband is unfortunately missing.
The camouflage cover is original and in very good condition. It has some stains and small holes around the edge, but is definitely solid, with the expected wear from use. It is marked on the underside of one of the flaps with the contract information:
COVER, HELMET CAMOUFLAGE
CONTRACT No. DSA 100-67-C-3637
FSN-8415-261-6833
This is a great piece of Vietnam War memorabilia, marked to the U.S. Army Special forces! Ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
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