Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. 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.
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 is a later war M-1 helmet with a set of swivel (movable) chinstrap loops called "bales" and a stainless steel rim. The rim has a seam at the front of the helmet which was known as a "front seam", this combination of swivel bales and a front seam date the helmet shell to 1944. It also has a heat lot number that we cannot read entirely, but appears to begin with a 79??, which would indicate February-March of 1944 for production. The 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).
This helmet is a fine example and still retains most of its original WW2 parts and the shell has been painted over all white with a red-cross on the front, the universal insignia for a field medic. Trades of the original "corked' paint can be seen under the white paint.
The liner is correct “high pressure” WWII issue and stamped with an F logo over 36 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 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 sweatband for this liner is unfortunately missing, and the front portion of the suspension has torn from the A washer. The liner chin strap is also missing.
The shell chin strap is present, but is a post war replacement, so this helmet may have seen further service post war and/or during the Korean War.
WW2 Medic helmets are among the most sought after of all M1 helmets and have become very difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine WW2 issue liners with the correct HBT straps. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year!
- This product is available for international shipping.
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