US 550th Glider Infantry Battalion 1st Lieutenant's M1 Paratrooper Helmet with swivel bale and front seam. The M-1 helmet was developed as a replacement for the M-1917 helmet that had seen use since WW1. 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. This is a helmet with the moveable wival bale loops and front seam stainless steel rim. The helmet shows the stamped heat numbers, this indicates production by the 'McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company' of Detroit. The helmet is complete with its original factory sewn chinstrap The outside of the helmet is having a 1st Lieutenant's bar painted on and both sides are showing decals from the 550th Glider Infantry Battalion.

The 550th undertook glider training in Sicily. The unit was assigned, along with other Allied airborne units, to the 1st Airborne Task Force and participated in Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of Southern France, on 15 August 1944 where the 550th captured the town of Le Muy.

The 550th Airborne was sent to Aldbourne, England in November 1944 after the 1st Airborne Task Force was disbanded. During the Battle of the Bulge in late December 1944 the 550th was attached to the 194th Glider Infantry Regiment, part of the 17th Airborne Division. In February 1945 the 550th was consolidated into the 3rd Battalion of the 193rd Glider Infantry Regiment.

Both the 193rd Glider Infantry Regiment and the 550th were disbanded in Belgium on 1 March 1945.

The helmet comes with its original liner, the liner is complete with its original leather chinstrap and factory sewn A-straps, complete with webbing chincup. The helmet liner is marked with the logo of the 'Westinghouse' Company. The liner is dated 1945. The liner and helmet are in overall very good near mint condition, see photos. Nice original late war Battle of the Bulge US Paratrooper helmet in stunning condition!

This helmet originates from the collection of the recently closed Eyewitness Museum!