Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a Late-War M1 Helmet produced by Schlueter, complete with its original liner and a very nice helmet net. 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.

This nice late war production helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WWII parts and paint, with some light wear from service. The steel shell is marked with a large S and heat lot stamped 541A, dating manufacture to early-mid 1945, after the switch to the manganese steel rim with a rear seam. The small round welds on the seam and chin strap bale bases are also definitive for a Schlueter helmet shell.

This M-1 helmet shell was originally designed with 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 material was switched to non-magnetic manganese steel. This material was not as shiny and retained the paint far better. Slightly later, a "rear seam" design was implemented. This helmet features the correct late war manganese steel rim with rear seam and swivel bales.

The shell chinstrap is present and intact, with wear from age and service. The shell strap is the correct OD Green #7 from a late war helmet, with a stamped steel buckle. It shows light wear, with some tearing near the bales, but nothing major. Like many helmets, this example has the chin strap fastened behind the helmet, and has for some time.  The included OD Green #7 helmet net is in good condition, and is the type with a securing string around the edge, like the British used.

The liner is correct "high pressure" WWII issue and has an embossed “little man” over IMP in an oval in the crown over a number 6. 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, with a bit of age fading. 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 leather unfortunately is deteriorated, as this helmet looks to have been worn a lot. There is a lot of cracking, and the leather is almost black in places. There is a bit of oxidation and light rust around many of the snaps and fittings. The liner chin strap is unfortunately completely missing.

Schlueter helmets have become extremely difficult to find in recent years, regardless of the manufacture date. The helmet net really completes the look on this late war helmet.. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year.