This is a US World War II M1 helmet and liner. The shell was manufactured by the McCord Radiator company, the liner was made by Firestone. The heat stamp of 619C puts this shell being produced around July, 1943. The helmet has a dark appearance, and retains the majority of the original paint. The original cork texturing remains on about 80% of the shell. The helmet shell is dent free. There are no stress cracks in the shell. The stainless steel band around the rim retains about 90% of the paint. The rim has a front seam stainless steel band. The chin strap bails are fixed. The chin straps are sewn directly to the bails and are OD #3 in color. The long strap has a raised bar brass buckle and adjuster made of an iron alloy. The buckles were used from July of 1943 until may of 1944. The strap shows almost no wear and is free of frays or rips, and stains. The short strap has the iron hook to attach to the buckle on the long strap. This strap also shows practically no wear from use and is free from stains. The shell does not have a net on it. Painted on the top of the helmet is a red cross, that measures 2 3/4" by 2 3/4". It look as though the cross was first painted in white, then painted over with red. On the back of the helmet is a horizontal NCO stripe that is 4 1/4" wide and 1" tall. The initials of R.T.G. have been stenciled in black within the white stripe. The Firestone liner is from early 1943 to mid 1944 production. The Firestone stamp is clearly visible in the inside top of the liner, along with the number 29. The liner has the original olive drab matt paint remaining on 95% of the liner. There are no cracks in the liner. The suspension cloth is cotton and khaki in color. It is retained to the liner by galvanized steel A washers painted green. The sweatband is present and shows staining from moderate wear. The cotton suspension straps show light soiling. The garters for the liner chin strap are both present, the chin strap is present but broken. It is a post war replacement. Stenciled in black on the rear of the liner are the same initials, R. T. G., as on the shell. This liner never had A yokes installed, as it was not intended for airborne use. This is a fine example of an untouched M1 combat helmet from WWII. This will make for a great research project, and this helmet will compliment any collection.

Item # AA2525

(Sold)