Item:
ON12165

Original U.S. WWII M1 Helmet Liner by Westinghouse Painted for 356th Regiment Training - 89th Infantry Division

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. After WWII, there was a very large surplus of M1 helmets, as well as M1 helmet liners. Many liners were then used during the 50s-70s as training helmets, and would have the outside painted to match the unit they were used with. This was done with both newly produced helmets, as well as older WWII issue helmets, which did not have the more modern features on the current production.

This is a very nice complete WWII Liner by Westinghouse in very good condition, which has the insignia of the 356th Regiment as well as the 89th Infantry Division. On the right side is the 356th Regiment Advanced Individual Training Unit Crest decal, which bears their motto: BOUTEZ EN AVANT ("Press forward!"), the cry of the old Squadron A, which they inherited when they were federalized. On he left side is the "W" decal insignia of the 89th Infantry Division, also known as "The Rolling W".

The front of the helmet has the Triple Chevrons indicating use by a Sergeant, most likely the one in charge of training. The decal looks like it was originally for a Staff Sergeant, but was modified. The liner is painted white overall, with a green stripe around it, but we do not know the significance of the stripe. The paint is in good shape, though there is some scuffing and flaking.

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 be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WWII features include cotton OD Green #3 herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in very good shape, with a bit of rust staining from the fittings. 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 in good condition, showing light wear and just a bit of staining, with some fraying at the back. There is a bit of oxidation and light rust around many of the snaps and fittings. The liner chin strap is still present, but worn.

A very nice example of a WWII Helmet liner, later used for training post war. Ready to display!

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