Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a genuine late WWII Issue U.S. Army M1 Helmet, which like many was then reissued for use during later conflicts. This example may have been used in the Korean War, but definitely saw use in the Vietnam war. It has a standard USMC Reversible Camouflage cover, which is dated 1959. and has US MC written on the front.
As with many helmet covers used in Vietnam, this one has been personalized with the addition of phrases written on the sides. This helmet reads:
COME ON OUT
ZIPPERHEAD
On the left, and:
HOTEL 2/5
LBJ SUCKS
It also has a pack of Marlboro Cigarettes and a book of matches secured under the large rubber band that secures the Camouflage cover. The matches and cigarettes are most likely not period, and we have no way of verifying the writing, but the helmet, shell, and liner are all correct for a Vietnam war helmet.
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 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 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.
The early M-1 helmet shells had a set of fixed (static) 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). In October 1943, issues with the fixed bales breaking off resulted in a change to the "swivel bales" that this helmet has.
The helmet shell is a fine example and features a correct front seam and swivel bails. It has large oval welds on the front seamed rim, identifying it as a McCord shell. The entire shell was overpainted during arsenal refurbishing, and the original chin strap was removed, replaced with an OD Green #7 chin strap, attached to the swivel bales by metal fittings. It also has the modified chin strap buckle, which has a connector that breaks under load to protect the soldier from neck and head injury.
The liner is correct high pressure 1960s issue liner manufactured by Westinghouse, identified by an embossed "W" in the crown (which is still Westinghouse's logo to this day). It is the standard Vietnam war style, which features a simplified rigging without any lacing in the center. This allowed for a much sturdier design, adjustable via buckles at the ends of the three straps. The sweatband is good worn condition, with the leather now stained and hard, and the rear is marked with the correct Vietnam Era stock numbers. The liner chin strap is unfortunately missing.
The included USMC reversible camouflage cover is in good service worn condition, complete with the elastic securing band. There is wear with some tears around the helmet edge, and some light rust staining from the inside of the helmet. The color is retained very well, especially on the tan side.
One of the tabs on the bottom of the cover has a label that is marked:
COVER, HELMET, CAMOUFLAGE
MARINE CORPS SUPPLY ACTIVITY
PROJ. NO. 5850 DTD, 12-10-59
8415-261-6833
An excellent genuine WWII issue helmet shell, repainted and refit for use by the USMC during the Vietnam War, and personalized to complete the look. Ready to add to your collection and display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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