{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-1943-schlueter-m1-fixed-bale-helmet-with-st-clair-low-pressure-liner-complete","title":"Original U.S. WWII 1943 Schlueter M1 Fixed Bale Helmet with St. Clair Low-Pressure Liner - Complete","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely service used front seam fixed bale Schlueter 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn World War II the production of the M1 helmet began in June 1941 and ceased in September 1945. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSchlueter 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). They placed an S stamp on their helmet shells above their \"heat temperature stamp. Aside from the markings, there are some subtle differences between a McCord and Schlueter M-1 helmet shell. This can be found on the rims. A Schlueter helmet shell has a much straighter profile than the classic McCord brim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis rare early production helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WW2 parts and paint. The steel shell is stamped \u003cstrong\u003e105A\u003c\/strong\u003e along with a large \u003cstrong\u003eS\u003c\/strong\u003e indicating Schlueter manufacture and dating from mid 1943. 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 swivel bales. The chin strap is the correct early war OD Green #3, with a stamped brass buckle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003eSC\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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 it becoming somewhat stiff. The liner chin strap is leather and has the correct early war green buckle. The leather is however quite deteriorated, and the rivet secured end has torn through, so it is no longer attached to the hardware on the liner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSchlueter helmets have become extremely difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine fixed bale versions with low pressure liners. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40886037217349,"sku":"ONSV23CSR27","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV23CSR27__01.jpg?v=1703628758","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-1943-schlueter-m1-fixed-bale-helmet-with-st-clair-low-pressure-liner-complete","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}