Dating an m1 helmet

How has the M1 helmet changed over the years?

Whereas changes to the M1 helmet dealt mostly with the exterior, e.g., paint color and aggregate and chin straps, the liner’s specification changes tended to influence its interior.

How do I identify an M-1 helmet?

This can be done by examining the number (pictured to the right) found in the inner front of any US M-1 McCord manufactured helmet shell. McCord manufactured the majority of M-1 helmet shells (making 20,000,000 helmets) and they did not place any other identification marks.

Are there any post-WWII modifications to the M1 M1 helmet shell?

Attention will be made to alert the collector of post-WWII modifications due to specification changes that were applied to helmets originally produced during WWII. McCord was the first and the largest producer of WWII M1 helmet shells.

What was the purpose of the liner on the M1A1 helmet?

The liner for the M1 helmet served as the suspension for the steel helmet. It acted as a cushion between the wearer’s head and the steel of the helmet. The liner also served as headwear for ceremonial and official duties where a steel helmet was not necessary, such as a parade, guard, and MP duty in non-combat areas.

When did the M1A1 helmet change?

In 1944, the stainless steel helmet rim with a seam at the front was replaced by a manganese steel rim with a rear seam, as well as the helmet bails being changed from a fixed, welded version to a swivel model in 1942, along with slight alterations to the shaping of the side brim. Further M1 helmets were manufactured for the Korean War.

How many M-1 helmet shells were made in WW2?

The total production of WWII M-1 helmet shells reached over 22,000,000 by August 1945. M-1 helmet production ceased just days after the war ended. Note: M-1 helmet shell production would not begin again until March 1951 because of the Korean War.

What happened to the M1A1 Stahlhelm?

The M1A1 Stahlhelm remained in service until 1992 when the Bundeswehr replaced it with a PASGT -derived kevlar helmet called the Gefechtshelm (Combat helmet). ^ M-1 Steel Helmet. ^ a b c COMBAT-HELMETS. Schlueter Vs McCord. nuke.combat-helmets.com. ^ American Helmet Model No. 5. www.metmuseum.org. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Do M1 helmets have rims in the front or back?

For this reason, any M1 helmet of WWII to Vietnam War vintage should be handled carefully to reduce chance of damage. Initial production helmets in 1941 to late 1944 had their rims seemed in the front. All M1 helmets with this feature among others were produced during or just prior to WWII.

What is a M1 helmet liner?

The interior of a M1 Helmet Liner. The liner is a hard hat-like support for the suspension, and is designed to fit snugly inside the steel shell. The first liners were produced in June 1941 and designed by Hawley Products Company.

What happened to the M1A1 Stahlhelm?

The M1A1 Stahlhelm remained in service until 1992 when the Bundeswehr replaced it with a PASGT -derived kevlar helmet called the Gefechtshelm (Combat helmet). ^ M-1 Steel Helmet. ^ a b c COMBAT-HELMETS. Schlueter Vs McCord. nuke.combat-helmets.com. ^ American Helmet Model No. 5. www.metmuseum.org. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Why is the M1 helmet so famous?

The US M1 helmet is perhaps one of the most iconic items of military equipment, made famous not only in period photographs from the Second World War and Vietnam, but also from numerous war films such as the D-Day epic, The Longest Day, or Audie Murphy’s story, To Hell and Back.

When did the M1A1 helmet change?

In 1944, the stainless steel helmet rim with a seam at the front was replaced by a manganese steel rim with a rear seam, as well as the helmet bails being changed from a fixed, welded version to a swivel model in 1942, along with slight alterations to the shaping of the side brim. Further M1 helmets were manufactured for the Korean War.