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 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, AN/PRR-9 Radio Receiver, and Vietnam period liner.
The helmet's heat lot code of M-176A indicates manufacture between 1951-1958 by McCord Radiator, which restarted production once the Korean war began. The helmet still has the original OD Green chin strap, with the correct modified buckle implemented during the Korean war and used until M1 helmet production stopped.
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 7 - inside the crown. The liner does not have a frontal eyelet, indicating that it is a post Korean war manufacture. A new suspension system for the M1 Helmet Liner was introduced in 1964. The new system featured three webbing straps that could each be adjusted to hold the liner at the right height on the head. The liner also had a new neck band assembly, which consisted of a rectangular webbed body with three straps that attached to small buckles inside the liner. The P64 Infantry liner was also the first version not to have a leather chin strap.
Between 1964 and 1969 the new helmet liner was made from laminated cotton duck. However, the P64 liner was also produced in laminated high strength nylon fabric between 1964 and 1974. The nylon helmet liner offered improved ballistic protection and was 2 to 3 oz heavier than the cotton duck version. This looks to be the version made from cotton duck, and it still has an original sweatband in very good condition, though the rear neck band is missing.
The included "Mitchell Pattern" reversible camouflage cover is in lovely service used condition, showing fading and staining from long use in the field. There are some small tears and other evidence of damage in the field.
One of the tabs on the bottom of the cover is marked:
COVER, HELMET, CAMOUFLAGE
CONTRACT NO. 8133
FSN 8415-261-6833
100% COTTON
DPSC DIR. OF MFG.
The contract number 8133 puts the manufacturer date to early 1965.
Also included is a genuine Vietnam War Era issue AN/PRR-9 radio receiver already mounted to the helmet offered in very good service used condition. It has not been tested for functionality but appears complete and undamaged. These receivers were intended to work with the PRT-4 squad radio transmitter. They were intended to replaced the bulky PRC-6, which had been in use since the Korean war.
These helmets have become increasingly difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine Vietnam War issue ones with affixed period accessories. Ready to add to your collection and display!
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