Original Item: Only One Available. This excellent genuine WWII issue helmet was either a combat medic helmet, or was used at a field hospital. It has very nicely executed white circles with medic "red crosses" in them on the four sides of the helmet. They show some wear through to the "corked" paint, but are otherwise great.

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 spot welds used to attach the chin strap bales and secure the stainless steel rim are larger and oval shaped on McCord helmets than on the Schlueter.

This Schlueter helmet is a very nice example and still retains original parts and paint. The steel shell is stamped with a large S under heat lot 198A, an early number indicating Schlueter manufacture and dating from early 1943. The M-1 helmet shell has an 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). This helmet features correct early front seam and fixed welded chin strap bales.

This helmet is a fine example and still retains most of its original WWII parts and the shell has all original "corked" grain paint, which is worn into a bit on the "grains" of cork, even where the red crosses are. This really is a nice example of a medic helmet, one of the best we have seen.

The liner is correct “high pressure” WWII issue and stamped with an F logo over A 12 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.

WWII Medic helmets are among the most sought after of all M1 helmets and have become very difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine WW2 issue liners with the correct HBT straps. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year!