Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a Mid-War M1 Helmet produced by Schlueter, complete with its original liner. After the war, these helmets were put into storage, and were then reissued for use in the Korean war. Fortunately is appears that this example was not reissued for use in the Korean War due to the EGA not being stenciled on the front, making this a wonderful offering.

In 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.

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 for
the fixed bales and rim are small and round on a Schlueter, while they are oval and wide for a McCord.

This nice later war production helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WWII parts and paint, with some light wear from service. The steel shell is marked with a large S and heat lot stamped (illegible) dating manufacture to mid-late 1944 (199A was December 1943), shortly before the switch to manganese steel rims with a rear seam. The small round welds on the front seam are also definitive for a Schlueter helmet shell.

This 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). In 1944, due to issues with paint flaking off the bright stainless steel, a "rear seam" design was implemented, using non-magnetic manganese steel, which retained the paint and was not shiny. This helmet features the correct front seam rim and mid war production swivel bales.

The shell chinstrap is present and intact, with the light wear from age and service. The shell strap is the correct OD Green #3 from a mid war helmet, with a stamped blacked brass buckle. It shows light wear, with a few minor tears, but nothing major.

The liner is correct “high pressure” WWII issue and stamped with an F logo over A11 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 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 a shoestring. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The liner has a name on the exterior but is unfortunately no longer legible. The leather chinstrap is completely missing.

The included USMC reversible camouflage cover is in excellent condition, and overall this helmet does appear to have seen use but was not abused.

Schlueter helmets have become extremely difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine front seam example. The USMC cover gives this a great bit of history. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year.