M1 Fixed Bale

**wpheaton** · 01-20-2015, 10:02 AM

Hello Guys,

I am very new to collecting US M1 Helmets. I came across this one near me. The pictures are all I have right now. I am trying to get some more. What should I be looking for? Shell looks in good condition. Khaki chinstrap looks good. What do you think of the markings? This guy is asking for an offer which I know you do not like but I cannot change that. It seems to be just a shell and no liner. What would be a fair offer?

Thanks,

William

**Harry Davey** · 01-20-2015, 12:03 PM

Hi William, the pictures are not great but from what i can see it looks original. The markings appear to be someone's initials, the helmet also looks to have original paint and chinstrap. As for price in the UK a fixed bail with original paint shell like this one would cost around £100, but original M1's are a lot more scarce here.

Cheers
Harry

**wpheaton** · 01-20-2015, 03:17 PM

by Harry Davey

Hi William, the pictures are not great but from what i can see it looks original. The markings appear to be someone's initials, the helmet also looks to have original paint and chinstrap. As for price in the UK a fixed bail with original paint shell like this one would cost around £100, but original M1's are a lot more scarce here.

Cheers
Harry

Thanks Harry that is a great help. I hope I can get better pictures. Do you think the initials are from WWII or added later?

William

**battle gear** · 01-21-2015, 02:36 AM

a fixed shell like that might sell for over $100 on ebay on an auction, but since he's asking for your offer maybe offer him $50 - $75

I found a Navy used fixed bale for around $50 at the antique mall

the shell does look original from WWII with original markings & paint

**ObKrieger** · 01-21-2015, 07:51 AM

This is a good early fixed bale with a raised bar chinstrap. It was probably used by the Navy, maybe the USMC. $100-$120 is a fair price.

**wpheaton** · 01-21-2015, 09:12 AM

by ObKrieger

This is a good early fixed bale with a raised bar chinstrap. It was probably used by the Navy, maybe the USMC. $100-$120 is a fair price.

What makes it Navy or USMC?

Thanks for your help. This is great. I love learning form these posts.

William

**ObKrieger** · 01-22-2015, 07:45 PM

The way the initials are stenciled like that is the same way the Navy and USMC did it. Helmet used by the army either have a laundry mark or the soldier's full name and ASN, or it's just left blank. It's a shame the soldier's whole name isn't stenciled, otherwise I would be able to research it for you.

**wpheaton** · 01-23-2015, 02:28 AM

by ObKrieger

The way the initials are stenciled like that is the same way the Navy and USMC did it. Helmet used by the army either have a laundry mark or the soldier's full name and ASN, or it's just left blank. It's a shame the soldier's whole name isn't stenciled, otherwise I would be able to research it for you.

Thanks OB,

I will try to find out the name. The individual said it was his grandfathers. I am having trouble communicating with him. He thinks his helmet is worth $200-$225. I guess someone has offered him that much. I told him maybe $100-$125 and I think it made him made. We will see.

Thanks,

William

**Tank Destroyer** · 01-23-2015, 02:43 AM

William, it is a nice m1 but $200-$225 is way too high. You price would be at the retail price for the helmet. Good luck I hope you get it. Marty

**wpheaton** · 01-23-2015, 02:48 AM

by tank destroyer

William, it is a nice m1 but $200-$225 is way too high. You price would be at the retail price for the helmet. Good luck I hope you get it. Marty

Thanks Marty,
He says he has had a couple of offers of $200-$225. I tried to tell him that someone was pulling his leg. I do not think he knows what he has and thinks he is going to make a killing on it. I would never pay more than $100 and only that if he will send more pictures and then I get to see it first hand. It looks interesting.

Thanks,

William