Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice early example of a genuine WWII Front-Seam Fixed Bale M1 Helmet likely made by McCord Radiator, painted for the Navy with a matching painted liner by International Molded Plastics.

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. The Navy paint on the helmet has obstructed the heat-lot stamp, so we are unable to properly date this helmet, but the front-seam and fixed bales lead to it being earlier.

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.

The early M-1 helmet shells had a set of fixed chinstrap loops called "bales" and 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 is a fine example and still retains all of its original WW2 parts and the shell has all original "corked" grain paint with front seam and fixed bails.

The chin strap is the correct OD Green #3 with blacked brass hardware. Unfortunately the material on the chinstrap (and other webbing) has light fraying and staining, with some of the navy paint having gotten onto the chinstrap.

Condition of the shell is quite nice, with only a few dents, and the blue paint retained well. There is also still a lot of paint on the Stainless Steel rim, which was prone to wear. The shell does have a high number of stress cracks, common due to the "high dome" design of the M1.

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 original leather chin strap is missing, and the liner has been painted with the same paint as the shell, although the liner paint is chipped and worn heavily. The helmet net is in great shape and shows the same wear as the helmet itself.

This is definitely a helmet that saw use during the war, but was not abused, giving it that great worn look. This would make a worthy addition to any WWII or Helmet collection.

Ready to display!