Exceptionally rare original US M1 infantry helmet dating from approximately 1944, featuring the distinctive insignia of the 34th Infantry Division, better known as the Red Bull Division.

The original steel shell was manufactured by the McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company and carries heat stamp 1068A. It is fitted with swivel bails and a manganese steel rim. The front displays the red bull’s head insignia of the 34th Infantry Division, with an additional white marking beneath it.

The shell retains a highly authentic surface with coarse texture, old layers of paint, scratches, wear and areas of paint loss. Earlier reddish-brown paint layers remain visible beneath the dark green finish in several places. These traces have not been restored and form an important part of the helmet’s historical character.

The helmet is supplied with an original CAPAC high-pressure liner. The liner, suspension, leather liner chinstrap and other present components are original period parts. Only the sweatband is a reproduction.

The combination of the original McCord shell, late-1944 configuration, CAPAC liner and rare Red Bull insignia makes this an exceptional collector’s piece that is now extremely difficult to find.

The photographs show the actual helmet supplied.

Historical Context

The 34th Infantry Division was identified by its red bull’s head insignia and consequently became known as the Red Bull Division. During WWII, the division served in North Africa before continuing into the difficult Italian campaign. An official National Guard history describes the 34th Infantry Division as an experienced unit of the North African campaigns that subsequently fought in Italy.

The division took part in prolonged and demanding operations across the mountainous Italian landscape. The Red Bull Division therefore became closely associated with the American campaigns in the Mediterranean theatre.

The surviving Red Bull marking makes this helmet especially interesting to collectors of US divisional helmets. Without further personal documentation, the helmet is not attributed to a particular soldier or individual combat action.

Specifications

• Original US WWII M1 infantry helmet
• Original McCord steel helmet shell
• Heat stamp: 1068A
• Approximate production period: 1944
• Swivel bail chinstrap loops
• Manganese steel rim
• Coarse period surface texture
• 34th Infantry Division insignia
• Red Bull Division bull’s head marking
• Additional white front marking
• Original CAPAC high-pressure liner
• Original liner suspension
• Original leather liner chinstrap
• Original shell chinstraps
• Reproduction sweatband
• Visible original paint layers and service wear
• Areas of paint loss, scratching and age-related wear
• Unique individual example
• The photographs show the actual helmet supplied
• Suitable for collecting, museum and mannequin display