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 helmet is a fine example and still retains most of its original Vietnam War parts, and the shell has been overpainted with light gray blue, indicating issue to the U.S. Navy.
The helmet's heat lot code of I 4411 is clearly visible inside the shell, which indicates manufacture by Ingersoll Rand Products, who produced a total of 3,174,296 helmet shells between 1965-1968 during the Vietnam Period. Unfortunately one of the swivel bales is completely missing, as is the chin strap.

The shell is hand-painted with a Measure 31 type of disruptive camouflage. Measure 31 was a series of irregular geometric patterns using large polygonal and striped patterns of Black and Ocean Gray, or Black, Ocean Gray and Haze Gray. The patterns and tones were designed to resolve at a distance to an average low reflectivity of 10-20%. Horizontal surfaces also carried irregular patterns in Ocean Gray and Deck Blue. This measure emphasized mistaken identity and course deception to complicate submarine attack. Patterns were carried across the bow, and light gray was used aft to blend with the wake. Undersides of horizontal elements were countershaded in Pale Gray (5-P) or White (5-U) to reduce self-shadowing. This measure was based on the World War I dazzle system modified by observations in the western Pacific. In 1944 revised Measure 31a substituted Navy Blue for Black and eliminated countershading. This example uses red instead of brown.

There are names painted on the outside of the shell such as PAINT BY / STEVER but appears incomplete due to fading. The paint is retained nicely, but this is a helmet that definitely saw use during the war.

The helmet comes complete with high pressure Vietnam War era liner, which has a much higher plastic content than previous versions. The rigging design of Vietnam war era liners moved to three straps that cross over in the middle inside a loop on one strap. Length and fit are adjusted by buckles at the end of each strap. This suspension is held tightly within the M-1 helmet liner by rivets and a series of triangular "A" washers. The sweatband is present and in very nice condition, complete with markings on the side but hard to read. The liner chin strap is unfortunately missing, which is not uncommon.

This is a wonderful, unique M1 helmet with hand-painted camouflage from the Vietnam War! Comes more than ready for display.