Original U.S. WWII / Korean War M1 Helmet Liner by MSA Modified for Paratrooper Use - 101st Airborne Insignia

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a genuine World War Two issue M1 Helmet liner by MSA, which was then modified at arsenal to be a paratrooper liner. This process included adding a "female" snap to both sides of the liner, which would interface with the shell chin strap, which on paratrooper models had an extension with a "male" snap on it. Also, 4 of the rivets retaining the "A" washers were removed, which allowed the canvas "A-Yoke" straps that attached to the chin strap to be installed.

Based on the color of the chinstrap and "A-yoke" attachment straps, OD Green #7, this looks to have been a Korean war modification. It was imperative that the helmet stayed on during the drop, so any shortages in Paratrooper helmets needed to be fixed quickly, and the fastest way was to modify the standard liners and helmets.

The liner is at it's core a correct "high pressure" style M-1 Helmet liner, which was manufactured by Mine Safety Appliances of Evans City, Pennsylvania, identified by an embossed stylized MSA logo in the crown. There is also a 26 mold number next to this, used to track deficiencies during manufacture. Mine Safety Appliance 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.

A true US WWII M-1 helmet liner can usually be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WW2 features include cotton herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension in early ear OD Green #3. 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 a shoestring. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The original sweatband is missing, most likely removed long ago due to deterioration.

The exterior paint is very well retained, definitely repainted after conversion to a paratrooper liner. It has 101st Airborne Insignia on both sides, which look to be some type of decals, added at some point during service.

Quality WWII M1 helmet liners have become increasingly difficult to find in recent years. This one certainly spruce up a paratrooper shell looking for a liner. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year.