Original U.S. WWII Late War US Navy Beach Battalion NBB Painted McCord Rear Seam Swivel Bale M1 Helmet with Seaman Liner
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a genuine WWII Rear-Seam Swivel Bale M1 Helmet made by McCord Radiator, fitted with a liner by Seaman. This helmet is a rather rare example as the shell has a painted blue band around the circumference. These markings were used by the US Navy Beach Battalion during the D-Day invasion. 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. The heat lot code reads 12 8C.
This very good condition 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 November 1944 the specification was changed to have the rim seam in the rear of the helmet. So this example dates after November 1944.
This helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WW2 parts and the shell has all original "corked" grain paint with no signs of use. There is no rusting or extensive wear present, this is one of the best examples we have seen.
The liner is correct high pressure WWII issue and stamped with a S for the SEAMAN PAPER COMPANY. Manufactured in Chicago, Illinois this "high pressure" manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed "S" in the crown. Seaman Paper Company started 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 OD Green #3 cotton herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in 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, however the leather is quite fragile. Overall the webbing is slightly stained and does have some tearing due to age and exposure. The leather liner chin strap is completely absent.
A very nice genuine late WWII issue helmet, perfect for any collection! Ready to display!
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