Description: This steel helmet must have been made before the switch from brass to steel chinstrap buckles, which means it also was made with front seam edge trim; the chinstrap webbing is the correct 11-row weave used during wartime. The Rear Seam (RS) edge trim must have been retrofitted in 1945 (or later). It is possible that the helmet was repainted at this time while still in service. There are two prior owner markings readily visible, and if you were to lightly sandpaper the inside, I think you would find additional prior owners. The heat number is three digits beginning "52;" I am not sure of the third digit. Below the heat number you can see the top portion of the "S," indicating a Schleuter-made helmet. The liner is marked with a different name on exterior; inside the crown is the Westinghouse trademark alongside "D16," shown in photo. One of the adjustable nape strap snaps has broken, and the nape strap has been knotted rather than buckled. Adjustable nape straps were deployed late in the war. The leather liner chinstrap is slightly dry but still somewhat supple; photos show it as found. Collectors may be wondering if the liner A-washers and liner chinstrap hardware are black or olive drab; it appears to me that A-washers securing headband are OD, A-washers securing nape strap are black, liner chinstrap buckle is OD, and hardware at each end of liner chinstrap is black. There are several dents in the steel helmet, the deepest being in the Rt rear quarter of crown, but no corresponding loss of paint from the interior. These observations indicate two things: 1) this helmet has been used/worn in combat, and 2) it probably has been repainted since the damage was sustained. There is the appearance of possible company grade officer insignia on the front, mostly obscured by later repainting; this is supported by appearance on steel helmet interior of having been worn over a liner bearing metal officer insignia. There is also the subtle impression on rear of steel helmet of "ghost" officer "invasion stripe," also obscured by later repaint. This is the only mid-WW2 M1 steel helmet I have ever seen w/ retrofitted RS edge trim; I have heard of one other. The item will be insured for sale price. Note for Watchers: I do not "Send offer" discounts.
Price: 159 USD
Location: Mount Shasta, California
End Time: 2024-11-10T03:31:13.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Conflict: WW II (1939-45)
Original/Reproduction: Original
Region of Origin: United States
Theme: Militaria
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
