WW2 M-1 Helmet Question

[Contra555]

I'm thinking about buying this nice m-1 Swivel Bail w/ shrimp net. Photos attached.

Can someone tell me if this is legit? I always wanted a helmet with this type of netting, but I've been told to buy ones without it as it might not be original. The liner colour looks right for late-war (to me), but I'm not that knowledgeable at all about helmets, so I wonder if someone can tell me more about it.? What could the yellow "3" inside mean, and is this a "European clone"? I was told clones have yellow font inside as this one does. Thanks. C

[Contra555]

[Contra555]

[Contra555]

[Contra555]

[Mordecai]

Since no one has responded I figured I'd give my 0.02$ so take what I say with a grain of salt. I should also state that while I own several WW2 manufactured m1 helmets all of them are 1950s+ refurbished with post 64 Liners.

From what I can tell this appears to be the "Hexigonal" shrimp net type which is the most common. As for if it is original it is hard for me to say as reproduction netting is often seen.
Good Netting Reference:90th IDPG: The Shrimp Net: The Misunderstood Net of World War II

The Liner appears to be WW2 with Khaki Webbing. Without better pictures I would say it looks like a high pressure liner but I cannot see any manufacturer markings. But the number 3 in yellow (ink?) does remind me of a St. Clair liner, but this liner doesnt appear to have the St. Clair low pressure chinstrap cut out and I havent seen a St. Clair liner stamped with a 3 in ink before. I do not believe the liner is euroclone but more pictures of the liner would be very nice.

Can barely see the Chinstrap but it appears to be stitched which is correct for a WW2 shell weither it is repro or not is impossible to tell without better pictures.

Without better pictures of the shell all I can say is that the shape reminds me of a Front seam Mccord but that is just a hunch. Again, without more pictures it is impossible for me to say for certain.

All in all the liner, chinstrap, shrimp net is 'correct' for a WW2 shell but I would definitely ask for more pictures before buying. There are allot of cleaned up M1 helmets out there outfitted back to WW2 specs for re enactment or for displayment. Netting & hardware is reproduced, even I have a repro 1944 helmet net that I use for display every once in awhile. Be very careful when buying Netted helmets.

Hopefully someone more experience may chime in to give their opinions!

[BlackCat1982]

You'd need to see the helmet shell and liner separated to make a call on it and from these photos I'm not convinced it US pre 1945.

[Jack59]

Gut feeling: Belgian Euro clone.
Jack

[Jack59]

Until good photos of the main features of the shell & liner are posted nothing is sure.



Meanwhile here is a similar setup with a Begian liner. Disregard the inverted A straps those were added afterwards. FYI this setup uses a Danish shell & a Begium liner to simulate a US M1 modified into a French para helmet during the Indochina war! Still folowing? Good example of how parts can be put together.


Firestone liner.