Original U.S. WWII M1 Helmet Liner by Westinghouse Painted for Vietnam 2nd Airborne Rangers
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 been repainted red, with a yellow stripe going all the way around, definitely for high visibility. One side is marked 57, while the other has a "Lightning Bolt and Missile" emblem, which was identified by the collector we purchased this from as a Vietnam Era Army Airborne Ranger patch, under 2 for the second unit.
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 moderate wear with staining and wear through, 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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