Original U.S. WWII Vietnam Reissue M1 McCord Front Seam Swivel Bale Helmet with USMC Camouflage Cover
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 looks to be dated 1975.
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 Korean or Vietnam War issue liner, marked with the stylized F logo for Firestone Tire & Rubber Company manufacture. It is the standard WWII style Korean war 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 green string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The sweatband is complete, with only light wear. The liner chin strap is missing, which is common.
The included USMC reversible camouflage cover is in excellent condition, complete with the elastic securing band, and overall this helmet does not seem to have been extensively used when it was reissued for the Vietnam War. There is light wear with a few repairs, and some light rust staining from the inside of the helmet. The color is retained very well, especially on the tan side. It also has a faint "FUCK YOU" written on the left side.
One of the tabs on the bottom of the cover is marked:
COVER, HELMET, CAMOUFLAGE
DSA100 - 75 - F - V289
8415-00-261-6833 06
MPLS. SOC. F/T BLIND INC
An excellent genuine WWII issue helmet shell, repainted and refit for use by the USMC during the Vietnam War. Ready to add to your collection and display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
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