Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a genuine WWII Front-Seam Fixed Bale M1 Helmet made by McCord Radiator, fitted with a very nice liner by MSA. This is probably the earliest production M1 helmet that we have ever had, and it seems it was constructed slightly differently than usual. Instead of the two tack welds to hold on the stainless steel liner, it was fully welded together and then ground smooth. This is UNDER the original paint, so it was definitely made this way from the beginning, and is something we have never seen before.

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. This helmet is heat lot stamped 38B which indicates the approximate manufacture date of January-February 1942, directly after the U.S. entered WWII. There is also an additional 3 after the heat lot, but we do not know the significance. 

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 fantastic condition M1 shell has correct earl war fixed chinstrap loops, called "bales," and a stainless steel rim with a front fully welded seam. 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). In November 1944 the specification was changed to have the rim seam in the rear of the helmet. This helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WW2 parts and the shell has all original "corked" grain paint, with only light wear. It has had the number 210 painted on the top in white. There is also the usual wear on the stainless steel rim.  It has the correct early war OD green #3 Chin strap with a cast brass buckle.

The correct "high pressure" style M-1 Helmet liner was manufactured by Mine Safety Appliances of Evans City, Pennsylvania, as identified by an embossed stylized MSA logo in the crown. It is also marked with mold number 15. 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. This is a truly excellent condition MSA liner. It was at some point overpainted forest green, and marked to the TACC, the Tactical Air Combat Command. It has a unit marking below this, and even has the name R. W. TROUTMAN stamped on the liner rigging.

This true US WWII M-1 helmet liner be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WWII features include OD Green #3 cotton 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 still present, showing only light use and staining. The leather liner chin strap is fully intact, which is a rarity. There are also visible markings on the back of the sweatband securing strap.

An excellent genuine very early WWII issue helmet, with some great research potential, perfect for any collection! Ready to display!