Item:
ONSV23NAS5

Original U.S. WWII Laundry Number Marked McCord Front Seam Swivel Bale M1 Helmet with Net and Firestone Liner - Complete

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a genuine WWII Front-Seam Fixed Bale M1 Helmet made by McCord Radiator, fitted with a very nice liner by the Seaman Paper Company. 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. This helmet does not have a visible heat stamp, but from the profile shape and construction, there is no doubt that this is an example of a McCord helmet.

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 mid war swivel 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 fine example and still retains all of its original WW2 parts and the shell has all original "corked" grain paint, with only light wear. There is also the usual wear on the stainless steel rim. It has the correct early war OD green #3 Chin strap with cast brass buckles. The interior left of the shell has the laundry number H-8460 etched into it, which has a possibility of being over 50 different soldiers, making research a challenge but not impossible.

The liner is correct “high pressure” WWII issue and stamped with an F logo over 35 for the FIRESTONE TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY. Manufactured in Akron, Ohio this “high pressure” manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed “F” in the crown. Firestone Tire and Rubber Company started M-1 helmet liner delivery to the US Army in September 1942. They produced approximately 7,500,000 M-1 helmet liners and 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 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 OD green string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The liner is in wonderful condition and retains a worn leather chinstrap.

Complete helmets have become increasingly difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine WW2 issue liners with the correct HBT straps and buckles. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year!

  • This product is available for international shipping.
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