Item:
ONJR22JWTX128

Original U.S. WWII 1942 M1 McCord Front Seam Fixed Bale Helmet with St. Clair Low-Pressure Liner - Laundry Number Marked

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 rare 2nd Pattern St. Clair Low Pressure liner and helmet net. 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 314C which indicates the approximate manufacture date of October 1942, correct for this type of early liner.

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 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 all of its original WWII parts, and the shell has all original "corked" grain paint, showing only light use, with no evidence of a repaint. There is also the usual wear on the stainless steel rim. Also included is an original issue OD Green helmet net, held in place by the liner and a drawstring. It is also in very good shape, with a lovely color. It has the correct early war OD green #3 Chin strap with a cast brass buckle.

The helmet also features one of the rare early-war "low pressure" liners, which were constructed of rubber fiber, and were the thinnest construction of all WWII Liners. This liner was manufactured by St. Clair, and features the yellow stamped SC marking on the crown. This liner is a bit interesting though, as it has galvanized steel triangular "A" washers, and the standard OD Green #3 HBT suspension, which was held over for the later versions of the liner. Usually St. Clair liners have unique square washers, and rayon suspension, so this is the second pattern. The low pressure liners were then deemed insufficient, so new contractors were found to make the "high pressure" liners.

This true US WWII M-1 helmet liner can be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WWII features include cotton OD Green #3 herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in very good 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 present, though the leather has deteriorated slightly due to age, which has resulted in cracking and flaking. The liner chin strap is present though worn and delicate in some spots.

An excellent genuine early WWII issue helmet with a rare St. Clair Liner and helmet het, perfect for any collection! Ready to display!

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