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Item:
ONSV21WFD2

Original U.S. WWII 1943 McCord Fixed Bale M1 Helmet with Westinghouse Liner - Complete

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 Westinghouse liner. 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 233D which dates to 1943. The liner and shell appear to have been together for a very long time, both exhibiting comparable wear from honest use, handling, and storage conditions.

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 mid 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 October 1943, issues with the fixed bales breaking off resulted in a change to the "swivel bales". Then in October 1944, the rims were changed to non magnetic manganese steel, due to issues with the paint wearing off the rim. Shortly after this, 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 WW2 parts and the shell has all original "corked" grain paint, though it definitely has seen use. There is some rusting in areas, as well as dirt and overall patina of age. It has the correct fixed bails and a stainless steel rim, which is missing paint, as is typical. The chin strap is the correct mid war OD Green #3 with the early thick cast “raised bar” brass buckle.

The liner in this helmet bears the makers stamp for Westighouse. It is a great representation of an early “high pressure” liner with all the hallmarks; Green painted “A” washers, green-painted flat buckle liner chinstrap, non-adjustable nape strap, and sweatband with green painted hardware. The exterior maintains its original finish, showing traces of what appear to be period applied adhoc camouflage.

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 a late war replacement, with a darker OD Green #7 fabric backing. It shows wear and age from long service. The liner chin strap is unfortunately missing

An excellent genuine WWII issue helmet perfect for any collection! Ready to display!

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