M1 helmet

[douglas2496]

Hello everybody, I brought this helmet when I was a boy, at a car boot sale more than twenty years ago, for just a few pounds. I dont know anything about M1 helmets but I have been looking at previous threads and researching it a bit elsewhere. It seems to me that the shell is of postwar production due to the slightly lower profile and light green paint (it also has a rear seam of course) and is probably of the Vietnam era. I cannot find a stamped number in the dome, there is just an ink marking (shown). I understand the liner however, is wartime, by Firestone. The chinstrap is known to be a reproduction.

I am now looking for an inexpensive wartime shell, im not too fussy about the condition as long as its all original.

I just wanted to show it however in case I have got anything wrong or anyone can add anything else. Many thanks, Douglas

[geelong]

how you going. the liner looks like black a washers should make it 44 45. but the sweat band looks post war. ink stamped on the helmet im to shore about.

[gitana]

Douglas, I think you got it right. I have a decent swivel bale shell if you're interested. WW2 vintage, nothing special, and inexpensive.

[gel65]

The sweatband appear to be a later addition from the 50s and the shell looks like it is from the 50s or 60s

[douglas2496]

Thanks for your responses. Gitana, I will take a look at the helmet if you want to post some pictures and give me a price, also please let me know which country you are in.

[Neil Hever]

Yep, a mixed bag of parts and vintages. Keep the liner and try to locate a period sweat band. I just picked up an original WII M1 shell for $85 so they are out there. Chin straps are supposed to be bar tacked (not clipped) so finding a shell with the chin strap intact is preferable. You can gussy it up with a period camo net - they are fairly inexpensive and available. Attached a photo of the M1 I put back together. NH