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, with a Firestone liner and helmet net. 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 has fixed bales which indicates the approximate manufacture just prior to the change to swivel bales.

We have tried to separate the shell and liner to get a heat lot stamp and inspect the interior of the shell and the exterior of the liner but these two are stuck together! To preserve the history and not risk damaging either item we have decided to leave it how we found it. If you would wish to try and remove the liner do so carefully.

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 M1 shell has correct mid war fixed chinstrap loops, called "bales," and a stainless steel rim with a front 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 most of its original WW2 parts and the shell has all original "corked" grain paint, though it definitely has seen use. It looks like the outer shell was repainted at some point during service, due to excessive wear. Also included is an original issue OD Green M44 helmet net, held in place by the liner. It is in good shape as well, but has faded to a more "tan" color due use.

Officially there was no “M44 Net”. What many reenactors and collectors call “M44 Net” is actually “Net, Helmet, with Band.” “Net, Helmet, with Band” was a late war U.S. Army-developed standard helmet net. It was made from a woven camouflage net, included a foliage band tied on to the rear of the net , and was affixed with an instruction card explaining configurations in which the net could be worn. These nets seem to first appear in use by troops in the ETO during the late Fall of 1944 and become progressively more common until the end of the war in Europe.

The liner is correct “high pressure” WWII issue and stamped with an F logo over 52 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 WWII features include cotton OD Green #3 herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in solid condition with light wear. This HBT suspension is held within the M-1 helmet liner by rivets and a series of triangular "A" washers, and 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 complete, though it does have some cracking and staining from wear. The leather liner chin strap is actually intact, something we see very rarely. It does have the expected wear and finish cracking, but it is still supple with a few minor tears present.

An excellent genuine WWII issue helmet perfect for any collection! Ready to display!