Original WWII U.S. Named Navy Late War Painted Rear Seam Swivel Bale McCord M1 Helmet Complete with Depot-Repaired Riveted Chinstrap & Firestone Liner
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a genuine WWII Rear-Seam Swivel Bale Navy M1 Helmet made by McCord, fitted with a liner by Firestone. 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. This example has a very faded heat lot stamp, which may read 1131H, but we cannot say for sure.
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). In late 1943, a set of bales which swiveled were introduced, which reduced the risk of breakage like the earlier fixed bales. This particular helmet is of the swivel bale variety, with khaki chinstraps fitted with a stamped brass buckle. As shown, both chinstrap pieces are attached with a period rivet, meaning that these were depot-repaired during the war, a rare sight! As typical with WWII Navy helmets, the shell has been painted several times, but the original cork finish is still evident on the exterior.
The matching liner is correct “high pressure” WWII issue and stamped with an F logo over A 24 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 be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WWII features include cotton OD Green #3 herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in good shape, with some wear and fraying. 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 OD green string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The sweatband is present, and is in great shape with some minor wear due to sweat and age. The liner chinstrap is retained as shown, without much damage outside of crazing.
This would make a worthy addition to any WWII or Helmet collection. Ready to display!
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