Original Item: Only One Available. 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). They placed an "S" stamp on their helmet shells above their "heat temperature stamp".

Aside from the markings, there are some subtle differences between a McCord and Schlueter M-1 helmet shell. This can be found on the rims. A Schlueter helmet shell has a much straighter profile than the classic McCord brim. Also, the spot welds used to attach the chin strap bales and secure the stainless steel rim are larger and more oval shaped on Schlueter helmets than on McCord.

This rare helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WW2 parts and paint. The steel shell is stamped L61 / S indicating Schlueter manufacture and dating from late 1943. All M-1 helmet shells had a stainless steel rim. These 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 features the correct WWII-issue front seam rim and mid war swivel bales.

The helmet is named by marker on the inner crown of the shell as follows:

This does not appear to be an Army Serial Number (ASN), but is more likely the soldiers SSN. We unfortunately have not been able to find any information on this individual.

The chin strap on this example is still intact, and is the correct mid-war OD Green #3, with blackened steel flat stamped buckles. It also has an original khaki helmet net installed, which would have been used to hold foliage and other camouflage materials in place.

The liner is a correct "high pressure" style M-1 Helmet liner, which was manufactured by Mine Safety Appliances of Evans City, Pennsylvania. This is identified by an embossed stylized MSA logo in the crown. It is also marked with mold number 19. 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. MSA still exists today, marketing a wide variety of safety equipment.

This true excellent condition US WWII M-1 helmet liner be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WW2 features include cotton herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension, with a sweat band dated 1945. 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 a shoestring. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The rigging in this helmet is really quite nice, and the liner still has the original leather liner chin strap, which are often missing.

Schlueter helmets have become extremely difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine named early production versions. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year. Ready to add to your collection and display!