Original U.S. WWII 1945 M1 Schlueter Front Seam Swivel Bale Helmet with Helmet Net and International Molded Plastics Liner

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a late WWII Produced M1 Helmet, with a front seam swivel bale shell by Schlueter, and a "High Pressure" liner by International Molded Plastics. It shows wear consistent with service, and likely saw some service post war, but it is still in quite good condition.

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. This helmet is heat-lot stamped 363A over S, which indicates the approximate manufacture date of September-October 1944, right before the seam was changed to the rear.

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

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. In 1944, to deal with paint wearing off the very shiny stainless steel rim, the material was changed to manganese steel in October, and then the seam moved to the rear in November.

This helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WWII parts and the shell has "corked" grain paint with front seam and swivel bails. The shell does not look to have been repainted. The chin strap is the correct late war OD Green with blacked brass stamped hardware. The shell and chinstrap are in excellent condition, showing very little wear related to service.

The liner is correct high pressure WWII issue and stamped with the International Molded Plastics logo with frontal eyelet. Manufactured in Watertown, Massachusetts this “high pressure” manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed “little man” in a circle in the crown. International Molded Plastics, Inc (IMP) started M-1 helmet liner delivery to the US Army in September 1942. They produced approximately between 2,000,000 – 4,000,000 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 WWII features include OD Green #3 cotton herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in good condition. 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 in heavily service worn condition, with the leather stained and stiff with cracking due to use. The leather liner chin strap is intact and unbroken but heavily crazed.

A very nice late WWII issue helmet, perfect for any collection! Ready to display!