{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-named-usmc-m1-schlueter-fixed-bale-helmet-with-3rd-pattern-cover-and-firestone-liner-complete","title":"Original U.S. WWII Named USMC M1 Schlueter Fixed Bale Helmet with 3rd Pattern Cover and Firestone Liner - Complete","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic front seam fixed bale Schlueter M1 helmet with a complete Firestone liner and a totally genuine 3rd Pattern USMC cover. \u003cbr\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSchlueter 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAside 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis rare early production helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WW2 parts and paint. The steel shell is stamped \u003cstrong\u003e41A\u003c\/strong\u003e along with a large \u003cstrong\u003eS\u003c\/strong\u003e indicating Schlueter manufacture and dating from early 1943. M-1 helmet shell has a stainless steel rim with a seam in the front. Stainless steel 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 front seam rim and early production swivel bales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe liner is correct high pressure WWII issue and stamped with an \u003cstrong\u003eF logo\u003c\/strong\u003e over \u003cstrong\u003eF7\u003c\/strong\u003e for the FIRESTONE TIRE \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA true US WWII M-1 helmet liner can usually be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WW2 features include cotton herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension. 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 liner still retains the leather chinstrap which is complete and in rather delicate condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSchlueter helmets have become extremely difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine fixed bale versions. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40634844086341,"sku":"ONSV23AGC59","price":1095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV23AGC59__07.jpg?v=1700528070","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-named-usmc-m1-schlueter-fixed-bale-helmet-with-3rd-pattern-cover-and-firestone-liner-complete","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}