Original U.S. WWII Photographer’s Schlueter Front Seam Swivel Bale M1 Helmet with International Molded Plastics Liner
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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. This Schlueter-Made helmet has swivel bales, a flat steel chinstrap, a front rim seam, and is painted on the front & back with PHOTO and the uniquely shaped photographer’s “rating”.
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 weld marks on the rim are small and round on a Schlueter, while they are oval and wide for a McCord.
This Schlueter helmet is a very nice example and still retains original parts and paint. The steel shell is stamped with a large S under heat lot 321B. The M-1 helmet shell has a stainless steel rim with 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 correct early front seam and swivel chin strap bales.
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 moderate wear. There is also the usual wear on the stainless steel rim. It has the correct late war OD green #3 Chin straps with steel buckles.
The liner is correct high pressure WWII issue and stamped with the International Molded Plastics logo with frontal eyelet. Manufactured in Watertown, Massachusetts this “high pressure” manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed “little man” in a circle in the crown. International Molded Plastics, Inc (IMP) 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 true US WWII M-1 helmet liner can 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 the correct string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The leather sweatband is worn but still present. The original leather chin strap is present, but it is heavily cracking from age.
This is a tremendous example of a Photographer’s helmet, perfect to fill that missing spot in your M1 Helmet collection, with a scarce liner to boot. Comes ready for further research and display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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