Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a Mid-War M1 Helmet produced by Schlueter, complete with its original Firestone liner. It is in very nice shape, and the shell is marked on the front with a single silver bar of a Lieutenant rank officer, most likely a 1st Lt. based on the silver color. The rear of the shell also has the correct "follow me" stripe painted on. The shell also has a fantastic WWII type helmet net over it, giving it a great look!

In 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.

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). 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. Also the weld marks for the fixed bales and rim are small and round on a Schlueter, while they are oval and wide for a McCord.

The steel shell on this fine example is stamped 472A along with a large S, indicating Schlueter manufacture and dating from early to mid 1945, after the manganese rim was introduced and the seam moved to the rear. M-1 helmet shell originally had a stainless steel rim with 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). In 1944, due to issues with paint flaking off the bright stainless steel, the rim was changed to use non-magnetic manganese steel, which retained the paint and was not shiny. Shortly after this in November 1944 the switch was made to rear seams.

This helmet features the correct rear seam manganese steel rim and late war production swivel bales, and still retains all of its original WWII parts with some light wear from service. The exterior still has the original "corked grain" OD Green paint retained well, with areas of light wear. There are no dents or deformation we can see, though there definitely is some light overall wear under the helmet net. The shell strap is is the correct late war OD Green #7, and is stitched directly to the chinstrap bales. However the securing hardware is definitely post war updated, with the stamped J hook and central clasp, designed to release under high strain.

The liner is the correct “high pressure” WWII issue and stamped with an F "Shield" logo over 40 for the FIRESTONE TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY. Manufactured in Akron, Ohio this “high pressure” manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed “F” in the crown. Firestone Tire and Rubber Company started M-1 helmet liner delivery to the US Army in September 1942. They produced approximately 7,500,000 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 lightly worn condition, with some areas having light discoloration. 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, so that the wearer could adjust the fit. The sweatband is in good condition, showing light wear and is a lovely russet brown color. The liner chinstrap is present, and is a desirable early pattern "green buckle" type, and is in very good condition.

Schlueter helmets have become extremely difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine rear seam examples with rank markings. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year.