Original U.S. WWII Named M1 Front Seam Fixed Bale Helmet with Westinghouse Liner & Helmet Net - Early War “Flat Buckle” Liner Chinstrap

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a genuine WWII Front-Seam Fixed Bale M1 Helmet likely made by McCord Radiator, fitted with a worn liner by Westinghouse. 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 very worn on the interior, so we cannot find or read the heat stamp. The shell also has a couple of stress cracks.

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 good condition M1 shell has correct early war fixed chinstrap loops, called "bales," and a stainless steel rim with a front fully welded seam. 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 November 1944 the specification was changed to have the rim seam in the rear of the helmet. The chinstrap is the early steel example in khaki, and is seated upon the rear brim of the helmet.

The liner is correct high pressure WWII issue and stamped with a W for the Westinghouse Electric Co Manufactured in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this "high pressure" manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed "W" in the crown (which is still Westinghouse's logo to this day). Westinghouse was the largest M-1 helmet liner producer and had two production divisions; Micarta and Bryant Electric.

This true, lovely service-worn US WWII M-1 helmet liner can be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WW2 features include cotton herringbone twill (HBT) OD Green #3 cloth suspension. 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 correct string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The sweatband is present and in fair shape, and the leather liner chinstrap is still intact and in good condition. This chinstrap is actually a scarce early war “flat buckle” example. 

Complete helmets have become increasingly difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine WW2 issue liners with the correct HBT straps and buckles. This example also has a great period helmet net. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year! 

This is a great WWII M1 Helmet with a period net ready for further research and display.