US M1 Combat Helmet with fixed 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 fixed bale loops and front seam stainless steel rim. The helmet shows the stamp numbers '380A', this indicates production by the 'McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company' of Detroit. The helmet is complete with its original chinstrap. Early models came with these cardboard so-called "Hawley" liners. These weak quality liners were soon to be replaced by the stronger high pressure liners. The liner is in slightly damaged condition, there is some damage around the edges, see photos. The outside of both the Helmet shell and liner are showing painted on 1st Lieutenant's bars. Nice original M1 helmet, with Hawley liner, in good used condition!

This helmet originates from the collection of the recently closed Eyewitness Museum and was in display in the diorama in the last picture!