Item: ONSV21MAX94
Original U.S. WWII Front Seam Fixed Bale M1 Helmet with Liner and Camouflage Net
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is an example of a genuine WWII Front-Seam Fixed Bale M1 Helmet fitted with an original Helmet liner. 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.
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 very good condition M1 shell has correct earl war fixed chinstrap loops, called "bales," and a stainless steel rim with a front fully welded 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 November 1944 the specification was changed to have the rim seam in the rear of the helmet.
This helmet is a good example and still retains most of its original WW2 parts. The left side of the chinstrap appears to be a period field repaired replacement. The Shell is pitted and oxidized, with traces of original paint visible on the chinstrap bales and the rim of the helmet. The maker heat lot number is not visible. It has the correct early war OD green #3 Chin strap with a cast brass buckle.
The correct "high pressure" style M-1 Helmet liner The liner exhibits original paint on the exterior, and original intact OD3 webbing, and correct chinstrap with green painted hardware. The liner makers stamp is not visible. This true US WWII M-1 helmet liner be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WWII features include OD Green #3 cotton 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 still present, showing modern use and staining. The leather liner chin strap is fully intact, which is a rarity. There are also visible markings on the back of the sweatband securing strap.
A correct WWII Camouflage Net completes the helmet.
A very nice genuine early WWII issue 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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