Original U.S. WWII Korean War Named M1 Paratrooper Helmet with Westinghouse Liner
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice early example of a genuine WWII Swivel Bale M1 Helmet with a rather rare M1 Paratrooper liner by Westinghouse. The helmet was used during WWII and reused during the Korean War and is likely named to 1st Lieutenant Daryl Robert Schwichtenberg, who served with the U.S. Army Airborne during the Korean War.
The helmet shell has a partially visible heat stamp 96, and has a rear seam and swivel bales. The shell has some scuffs and nicks on the exterior. The chinstrap appears to be Korean War era, and the following is painted in black inside the shell:
D.R. SCHWICHTENBERG
RA17289414
The liner is a 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 M1 liner can be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct features include OD Green #3 cotton herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner. 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 tie string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The paratrooper chin strap extensions are both complete with their cast steel buckles, and are in the correct OD Green #3, which matches the aged color of the rigging perfectly. There is also a period chinstrap in tan attached to the extensions. The soldier’s laundry number is written on the leather sweatband, S-9414 and the soldiers name and number are painted in the liner as well. The suspension liner is marked and dated 1945, confirming this as a WWII Liner. The liner is missing its chinstrap but besides that there are few flaws.
This is a stupendous WWII Paratrooper helmet reused during the Korean War. Comes ready for further research and display!
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