This fully original US Korean War Paratrooper Helmet is composed entirely of authentic components dating from 1942 to 1953. The shell is a McCord M1 front seam (1942) with fixed bails, the same configuration used by Airborne troops during WWII and reissued during the Korean War.

The liner is an original CAPAC/Westinghouse oval liner, featuring early suspension hardware and the characteristic reddish interior finish.

The chinstraps were beginning to deteriorate due to age, so a small preservation repair was carried out to prevent complete loss. Importantly, no reproduction parts were added — the helmet remains fully original.

With its honest combat patina, this example perfectly represents the early Korean War reissue helmets worn by US paratroopers. A rare and fully original collectible piece.

Historical Context

During the Korean War (1950–1953), many WWII paratrooper helmets were reissued to Airborne units. Front seam McCord shells with Westinghouse liners were particularly trusted due to their proven performance in Normandy, Market Garden, and the Pacific.

Units such as the 187th RCT (Airborne) and elements of the 82nd Airborne Division wore this exact type of helmet in the early 1950s. This makes helmets like this one historically significant transitional artifacts bridging two major conflicts.

Collector’s Recommendation

For collectors seeking fully original paratrooper helmets from the WWII-to-Korea transition period, this is a standout example.
An original McCord shell paired with a CAPAC/Westinghouse oval liner is increasingly hard to find — especially in unrestored condition with all period components intact.

The small preservation repair ensures longevity while maintaining full originality, making it highly desirable in any serious Airborne collection.