C035693 VIETNAM WAR ERA U.S. M1 COMBAT HELMET WITH CAMOUFLAGE COVER.

BACKGROUND: The M-1 helmet was developed as a replacement for the M-1917 helmet that had seen use since WW1. It was designed by using the crown of the M-1917, removing the brim and adding extensions to protect the neck, ears, and forehead. The resulting form was then used as a template for the production of a helmet body from a single piece of Hadfield Manganese Steel. The liner and suspension were developed after a modified Riddel Football helmet. The M-1 helmet was approved for production in June of 1941. Early models had solid loops (fixed bale) for the chin straps but they broke off to often and were replaced with a moveable hinged loop. The original rim of the helmet was made of stainless steel but it was found that the paint that was used would wear off to easily and leave a shiny reflective surface. To remedy this they switched to a Hadfield Manganese Steel and also changed the butt of the rim from the front to the rear of the helmet body. This change took place in October of 1944. The M-1 helmet had the best ballistic characteristics of any helmet developed up to then and could with stand the force from a 230 grain, .45 caliber bullet with a velocity of 800 feet per second.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: U.S. Vietnam War M-1 Helmet with Mitchell Camouflage Cover circa 1966. WW2 shell with rear seam and swivel bales, Schleuter manufactured with 1239A shell stamp (1944). Korean War era liner with 100 percent original paint, super clean OD green webbing, blond leather sweatband and matching 1965 nape strap all original to the helmet. Original brown leather chinstrap is late WW2 production (black metal hardware). The 1965-contract (8133) Mitchell cover is contract marked for 1965 issue to the field. With hard-to-find original issue "bug juice" bottle under the elastic camouflage bad as usually carried. Bottle still has a little of the original insect repellent in the bottle. Super nice very early Vietnam War complete and in excellent condition.

GRADE ****1/4                             PRICE $566.00