Item Description
Original 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 255E which indicates the approximate manufacture date of Late 1943. Other markings on the shell include the soldier’s name and service number:
Eugene L. Short 42104097
With the name and service number this gives the item a fantastic opportunity to be researched easily!
The liner is the correct high pressure WWII issue and is stamped with a W for the Westinghouse Electric Co Manufactured in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 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.
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 a heavily used 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. There is some age to the rigging and tears by the washers, and the leather sweatband shows some age, as well as some missing portions, cracks and tears. The neck strap is unfortunately missing as well as the chinstrap.
A great example of a genuine WWII issue fixed bale M1 helmet, perfect for any collection! Ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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