Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Korean War / Vietnam issue McCord M1 helmet shell, with a Westinghouse liner. It does however have some very interesting aspects, which make it a prime candidate for further research.

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 M1 shell has correct late war swivel chinstrap loops, called "bales," and a stainless steel rim with a rear 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 October 1943, issues with the fixed bales breaking off resulted in a change to the "swivel bales". Then in October 1944, the rims were changed to non magnetic manganese steel, due to issues with the paint wearing off the rim. Shortly after this in November 1944 the specification was changed to have the rim seam in the rear of the helmet.

McCord restarted production during the postwar years for the Korean Conflict, and there were also WWII helmets which were refitted during the war. This helmet shell definitely appears to have undergone something like that, as this helmet really doesn't fit into the standard production format. It does look to be a WWII production shell, and we think we can see faded heat lot stamp "?83?" in a worn area on the helmet, which is difficult to make out. This would indicate production late 1944 or early 1945. However, while it has the correct late war swivel bales and a front seam rim.

The helmet shell does show extensive wear, and definitely had water sitting on the inside for some period. The paint is retained very well with virtually all corked grain paint still present and visible. The front and back of the shell still retains the small red squares, indicating use by a Marine Corps Landing Support Battalion member for logistics and resupply.

The liner is correct high pressure WWII issue and stamped with a W for the Westinghouse Electric Co Manufactured in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this "high pressure" manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed "W" in the crown (which is still Westinghouse's logo to this day). 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 WW2 features include cotton herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension. 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 a correct string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. Unfortunately the webbing suffered tearing damage and shows extensive signs of use and wear. The liner is named on the interior and appears to be written as Marion Hillis along with a partial service number.

This is a lovely example of a heavily service worn M1 helmet. Comes more than ready for further research and display.