Original U.S. Vietnam War M1 Helmet with Mitchell Pattern Camouflage Cover Purportedly Worn by Mel Gibson in “We Were Soldiers”
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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 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 is an interesting M1 helmet shell with a Mitchell Pattern camouflage cover and a Korean War era Firestone liner with MOORE #2 written on the interior. Attached to the helmet was a tag reading:
“SOLDIERS”
COL MOORE #3
We have no actual provenance linking the helmet to the movie, so it is being offered as is, with more research to be done.
The shell itself is actually an early WWII Front seam helmet that may have originally had fixed bales, but new bales were added during the Vietnam War period. There is a faint partial heat lot stamp, 4A, and the rim is missing most of its paint, correct for an early WWII shell.
The helmet is equipped with a standard Reversible Camouflage cover, which is marked on the other side but not dated. The elastic band that is meant to hold it in place is gone. The helmet retains the Vietnam War era chinstrap, and the liner’s sweatband is in great shape, looking unissued.
An interesting helmet purportedly worn by Mel Gibson in “We Were Soldiers”. Ready for display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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