Original Item: Only One Available. This helmet began its life as a very nice example of a Mid-War M1 Helmet produced by Schlueter. After the war, these helmets were put into storage, and were then reissued for use in the Korean War as well as the Vietnam war, when this helmet was then repainted and equipped with a WWII USMC mosquito net helmet cover.

In World War II the production of the M1 helmet began in June 1941 and ceased in September 1945. The total production of M-1 helmet shells during the war reached 22,000,000. Of these about 20,000,000 were produced by the main contractor
McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company of Detroit. Although McCord was supposed to be the single source of M-1 helmet shells, by the summer of 1942 a second company was enlisted to help the production effort. This was Schlueter Manufacturing of St. Louis, Missouri.

Schlueter began production of its M-1 helmet shells in January 1943. Schlueter produced only 2,000,000 M-1 helmet shells during the war (both fixed and swivel). They placed an "S" stamp on their helmet shells above their "heat temperature stamp".

Aside from the markings, there are some subtle differences between a McCord and Schlueter M-1 helmet shell. This can be found on the rims. A Schlueter helmet shell has a much straighter profile than the classic McCord brim. Also the weld marks for the fixed bales and rim are small and round on a Schlueter, while they are oval and wide for a McCord.

This nice mid war production helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WWII parts but does have Vietnam War era repaint, with some light wear from service. The steel shell is marked with a large S and heat lot stamped 69 dating manufacture in about early 1944, after the switch to Manganese rims but before the switch to a rear seam. The small round welds on the front seam are also definitive for a Schlueter helmet shell.

This helmet features the correct front seam manganese rim and mid war production swivel bales. Much of the original "corked grain" OD green paint is still present on the exterior, so this shell was not deemed in need of reconditioning at the arsenal after WWII. The shell chinstrap is present and intact, with the light wear from age and service. It is the correct late war OD Green #7 from a mid war helmet, with a stamped steel buckle.

The liner is a 1950's production Korean War issue M1 helmet "high pressure" liner stamped with the Capac Manufacturing Company logo and 51 (1951) date. The liner is complete with full suspension and sweatband as well as a genuine WW2 or Korean War ear leather chinstrap.

Manufactured in Capac, Michigan this "high pressure" manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed "cross" with the words "CAPAC" in the crown. Capac Manufacturing Company started M-1 helmet liner delivery to the US Army in September 1942. They produced approximately between 2,000,000 - 4,000,000 M-1 helmet liners and discontinued production around August 17, 1945 when the war ended.

This true M1 liner can be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct features include cotton herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner. 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 a string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit.

Covering the helmet shell is a very nice nearly unissued U.S. Marine Corps Camouflage mosquito net. These could have the netting tucked up under the liner, so they were often used in place of the reversible camouflage liner. This example is in great shape, and fits the helmet perfectly.

This is a lovely example that comes ready for display!