Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a genuine WWII "High Pressure" helmet liner by Mine Safety Appliances (MSA). The liner looks like it was then reissued for training use, possibly post war. The liner is marked on both sides with the unit insignia of the U.S. Army 131st Armored Tank Battalion, which is the standard armored unit triangle, with 131 at the top. Helmet liners such as these were often worn during training, as the steel helmets were not required, an could be heavy and cumbersome at times.
The liner is correct "high pressure" WWII issue for the M1 Helmet, and was manufactured by Mine Safety Appliances of Evans City, Pennsylvania, as identified by an embossed stylized MSA logo in the crown. It is also marked with mold number 21. Mine Safety Appliance started M-1 helmet liner 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 rigging on this example is quite deteriorated, and looks to have been exposed to water. The webbing is torn away on the lower back of the helmet, and there are also tears around the A-Washers on the front. The sweatband is quite stained as well. The original leather liner chin strap is still present, and was painted yellow for training. It has shrunk and is now permanently stretched over the front visor.
An very nice genuine WWII issue helmet liner, marked with the insignia of the U.S. Army 131st Armored Tank Battalion. Ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
