Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely early WWII Issue fixed bale McCord M1 helmet with a complete early "Low Pressure" style liner by St. Clair, which were only made for a short period of time before the "High Pressure" liners were introduced. This helmet is stamped with lot and lift number 188A, which indicates the approximate manufacture date of May-June 1942.

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. 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 total production of M-1 helmet shells during the war reached 22,000,000. Of these about 20,000,000 were produced by the main contractor McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company of Detroit. Although McCord was supposed to be the single source of M-1 helmet shells, by the summer of 1942 a second company was enlisted to help the production effort. This was Schlueter Manufacturing of St. Louis, Missouri. Schlueter began production of its M-1 helmet shells in January 1943. Schlueter produced only 2,000,000 M-1 helmet shells during the war (both fixed and swivel).

The early M-1 helmet shells such as this example have 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). In October 1943, issues with the fixed bales breaking off resulted in a change to the "swivel bales".

This rare early production helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WW2 parts and paint. M-1 helmet shell has a stainless steel rim with a seam in the front. Stainless steel 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 features the correct front seam rim and early production fixed bales. The chin strap is the correct early war OD Green #3, with a first pattern cast brass buckle. The chinstrap is stamped with laundry number B5291, a great research opportunity. There is also the name BUERGE stenciled on the front of the liner, even more potential for research.

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, which is quite faint. It has the correct rayon suspension, retained by the unique galvanized square washers. We have often seen these refitted with "A" washers and HBT suspension, so finding one that is still in the original configuration is rare treat! 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 white rayon cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in very good shape, though it is discolored. It is held by the correct square washers used by St. Clair, and there is a white cord tie at the top. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The sweatband is present, with the leather still in very good condition, showing only light wear. The leather liner chinstrap is present and complete, though it is definitely a bit stiff. Unlike later types, the St. Clair liner chinstrap is permanently attached to the shell, and has a standard buckle, not the clip type buckle seen later.

An excellent genuine early WWII issue McCord M1 helmet with a rare complete St. Clair Liner, perfect for any collection! Ready to display!