{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-1942-m1-mccord-front-seam-fixed-bale-helmet-with-westinghouse-liner","title":"Original U.S. WWII 1942 M1 McCord Front Seam Fixed Bale Helmet with Westinghouse Liner","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. 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 stamped \u003cstrong\u003e143 C\u003c\/strong\u003e which indicates the approximate manufacture date of April 1942, about a year before the transition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u0026amp; Sharon Steel Corporations. Each completed raw M-1 helmet shell weighed 2.25 lbs each.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe later M-1 helmet shells had a set of swivel (movable) 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. As with most of these early produced helmet shells, this one does have stress cracks present at the back of the shell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe liner is correct high pressure WWII issue and stamped with a W for the Westinghouse Electric Co Manufactured in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this \"high pressure\" manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed \"W\" in the crown (which is still Westinghouse's logo to this day). Westinghouse was the largest M-1 helmet liner producer and had two production divisions; Micarta and Bryant Electric. The Micarta Division produced about 13,000,000 M-1 helmet liners and the Bryant Electric Division about 10,000,000. Westinghouse Electric Company started M-1 helmet liner delivery in May 1942. Westinghouse did have a contract to produce airborne liners and converted an unknown amount to airborne configuration. Westinghouse discontinued production around August 17, 1945 when the war ended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis true US WWII M-1 helmet liner can be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WW2 features include cotton herringbone twill (HBT) 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 string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. Unfortunately the leather sweatband is missing. The shell chin strap is original, and the liner chin strap is original and in solid condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese helmets have become increasingly difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine WW2 issue liners with the correct HBT straps. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40176690331717,"sku":"ONSV22WOS22","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV22WOS22__02.jpg?v=1657127554","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-1942-m1-mccord-front-seam-fixed-bale-helmet-with-westinghouse-liner","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}