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 and original period 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 723B, which indicates the approximate manufacture date of October - November 1943, right during the change over to swivel bales.

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 WWII parts. The original "corked grain" can still be seen on the exterior, with only moderate wear, and most of the original cork still intact. It has the correct fixed bails and a stainless steel rim, which is missing some paint, as is typical. The chin strap is the correct mid war OD Green #3 with a steel buckle.

The liner is correct "high pressure" WWII issue and has a tiny embossed “little man” over IMP in an oval in the crown over a number 5. This is the manufacturer marking of International Molded Plastics, Inc, who manufactured liners in Watertown, Massachusetts. IMP started M-1 helmet liner 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 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. However, the rear most A-washer has popped its rivet, so it is hanging loose. The three upper suspension bands are joined together with the correct OD green string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit.

Liner sweatband exhibits no wear, and is marked with a Quartermaster stock number  711-009 QM-16891 and maker mark S.L.P.Co.. The early, non-adjustable Nape Strap is marked in a similar fashion, with the maker mark B.C. Co. being the main difference. There is even the original leather liner chinstrap included, which is supple and fully intact!

A great example of a genuine WWII issue fixed bale M1 helmet, perfect for any collection! Ready to display!