Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a genuine WWII Front-Seam Fixed Bale M1 Helmet made by McCord Radiator, with a correct WWII issue liner by Seaman Paper Co.. The helmet exterior was overpainted post war by a collector with U.S.N. markings, most likely for a static display or reenactment, however it is definitely all WWII construction.
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 225C which indicates the approximate manufacture date of July - August - 1942, quite early in the 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.
This fantastic condition M1 shell has correct early war fixed chinstrap loops, called "bales," and a stainless steel rim with a front seam. 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). In November 1944 the specification was changed to have the rim seam in the rear of the helmet.
This helmet is a fine example and still retains most of its original WWII parts and the shell has all original "corked" grain paint, though it was definitely painted over relatively recently with period correct OD Green. At this time the U.S. Navy markings were also added. However they did not overpaint the rim, so it still has the typical worn paint on the stainless steel rim. The shell has the correct front seam with large oval welds, confirming it is a McCord shell. It has the correct early war OD green #3 Chin strap with a cast brass buckle and brass clip.
The liner is correct high pressure WWII issue and stamped with a S in an oval over 6 for the SEAMAN PAPER COMPANY. This marking is somewhat faint, as Seaman did not make the markings very prominent, so cleaning easily wears them away. 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 US WWII M-1 helmet liner be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WW2 features include cotton herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in excellent shape. 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 the correct OD green string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The sweatband is however missing, but could be easily replaced. All of the suspension is still attached to the A washers, and the leather liner chin strap is still present as well.
This is a really great chance to pick up a very nice WWII M1 Helmet, with a nice post war exterior paint job. All dressed up and ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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