Original US M1 helmet set dating from 1943, built around an original McCord steel helmet shell with swivel bails and heat stamp 575C. The steel shell retains the characteristic coarse cork-textured surface associated with American M1 helmets of the WWII period.
The liner is an original 1943 Westinghouse high-pressure liner, converted into an Inland-style Airborne configuration. It is fitted with Airborne leather A-yokes and an original leather Normandy-pattern chin cup.
The combination of the McCord shell, Westinghouse liner and Airborne fittings makes this an interesting helmet set for a 1943-1944 US paratrooper display. Visible wear, ageing and traces of use give the helmet an authentic, time-worn appearance.
A distinctive one-off collector’s item for a WWII collection, museum display, mannequin presentation or historical US Airborne display.
This is a single original helmet set. The photographs show the actual example supplied.
Historical Context
The American M1 helmet consisted of a steel outer shell and a separate fibre-reinforced liner. McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company was one of the principal manufacturers of steel M1 helmet shells during WWII.
Airborne liners were equipped with special leather A-yokes and a leather chin cup. This arrangement helped to keep the helmet more securely positioned during parachute jumps and combat movement.
This helmet set has the characteristic appearance associated with US Airborne helmets of the Normandy period. The description Normandy pattern refers to the style of chin cup and does not constitute provenance that this particular helmet was used during the fighting in Normandy.
Specifications
- Original US WWII M1 helmet set
- Original McCord steel helmet shell
- Swivel bail configuration
- Shell heat stamp: 575C
- Steel shell dated 1943
- Coarse period cork-textured surface
- Original Westinghouse high-pressure liner
- Liner dated 1943
- Westinghouse liner converted to an Inland-style Airborne configuration
- Fitted with leather Airborne A-yokes
- Original leather Normandy-pattern chin cup
- Visible signs of age, storage and previous use
- Unique individual example
- The helmet shown is the helmet supplied
- Suitable for collecting and historical display
