Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a genuine WWII Issue U.S. Marine Corps issued helmet, complete with a very rare EGA- Marked HBT Camouflage cover, which has remained virtually untouched since WWII. 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. 

In World War II the production of the M1 helmet began in June 1941 and ceased in September 1945. The total production of M-1 helmet shells during the war reached 22,000,000. Of these about 20,000,000 were produced by the main contractor McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company of Detroit. Although McCord was supposed to be the single source of M-1 helmet shells, by the summer of 1942 a second company was enlisted to help the production effort. This was Schlueter Manufacturing of St. Louis, Missouri. Schlueter began production of its M-1 helmet shells in January 1943. Schlueter produced only 2,000,000 M-1 helmet shells during the war (both fixed and swivel). 

This very nice condition M1 helmet has correct later war swivel chinstrap loops, called "bales". As we have not removed the liner or cover, we are unable to see the condition of the shell or who the manufacturer is. However the OD Green #3 Chin strap with stamped brass buckles would indicate manufacture in late 1943 or 1944.

The liner is correct high pressure WWII issue and stamped with a S in an oval 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 cotton OD Green #3 herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in very 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 present, though the leather has deteriorated due to sweat and age, which has resulted in it shrinking and becoming very brittle.  The liner chin strap is present, but very delicate, and is splitting over the front edge, as it has shrunk and become very hard. The split was stabilized with leather glue, but most likely it eventually will completely split. We did not attempt to remove the liner for this reason.

An excellent genuine WWII issue helmet, untouched since WWII with a very rare original USMC HBT camouflage cover, perfect for any collection! Ready to display!