Item:
ONSV4675

Original U.S. WWII 1941 M1 McCord Front Seam Fixed Bale Helmet with Net and Seaman Paper Co Liner

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. The U.S. WWII M-1 helmet was only produced from 1941 to 1945. The U.S. WWII M-1 helmet was only produced from 1941 to 1945. The first production batch resulted with over 323,510 M-1 helmets before the start of the American involvement in the war. This helmet is heat-lot stamped 42, a very low number which indicates the approximate manufacture date of August 1941, just before the U.S. entered into WWII. The inside of the helmet is also marked SMITH, but this looks to be marker, and is probably post war.

The Ordnance Department selected McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company of Detroit Michigan to produce the steel M1 helmet bodies. These bodies were made from a single piece of Hadfield Manganese steel that was produced by the Carnegie-Illinois & Sharon Steel Corporations. Each completed raw M-1 helmet shell weighed 2.25 lbs each.

The early M-1 helmet shells had a set of fixed (static) chinstrap loops called "bales" and a stainless steel rim. 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).

This helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WW2 parts and the shell has all original "corked" grain paint. The paint is retained well, with the expected stains and wear from age and service. It features a front seam, fixed bales, and an OD Green #3 chin strap with blacked buckles, which is clasped behind the helmet. The shell is covered by a very nice OD Green helmet net, which has faded to tan on the exterior from the sun. The net shows wear and damage, typical of a helmet that was "actually there".

The liner is correct high pressure WWII issue and stamped with a S in an oval for the SEAMAN PAPER COMPANY. Manufactured in Chicago, Illinois this "high pressure" manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed "S" in the crown. Seaman Paper Company started 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 almost excellent condition US WWII M-1 helmet liner be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WW2 features include cotton herringbone twill (HBT) OD Green #3 cloth suspension. 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 shoestring. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The sweatband and liner chin strap are unfortunately missing, but could most likely be sourced relatively easily. There are some cracks in the liner edge. most likely from storage

These helmets have become increasingly difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine WW2 issue liners with the correct HBT straps and buckles. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year!

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