US 104th Infantry Division 'Timberwolves' M1 Helmet
Description
US M1 Combat Helmet. 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 an early type helmet with the fixed bale loops and front seam stainless steel rim. The helmet is complete with its original factory sewn chinstrap. The logos of the 'Timberwolves' are stencilled on both sides of the helmet showing the yellow-blue coloured shield and 'Timberwolves' wolve head on the other side. The helmet comes together with its original 'Westinghouse' marked liner showing the US 'Timberwolves' logos on both sides as well, matching with the outer helmet. Unfortunately the liner is in heavily used/damaged condition, all metal parts are rusted and the webbing material is damaged or missing partly, see photos. A service number is stamped on of of the liner bands, and a name 'Hap' is engraved inside the liner shell. Original wartime 'Timberwolves' helmets are extremely rare, this is one of the few originals. This is a unique and one-time opportunity to obtain such a helmet. Stunning original untouched "Timberwolves" Helmet!
The 104th Infantry Division landed in France on 7 September 1944. It moved into defensive positions in the vicinity of Wuestwezel, Belgium, 23 October 1944, and went over to the, offensive on the 26th, taking Zundert, gaining control of the Breda-Roosendaal Road and overrunning Vaart Canal defenses. Leur and Etten fell as the Division advanced to the Mark River, 31 October. A coordinated attack over the Mark River at Standdaarbuiten, 2 November 1944, established a bridgehead. Zevenbergen was captured and the Maas River reached on 5 November. While the bulk of the Division moved near Aachen, Germany, elements remained to secure Moerdijk before being relieved on 7 November. The 104th attacked, 16 November, taking Stolberg and pushing on against heavy resistance. Eschweiler fell on the 21st and the enemy was cleared from the area west of the Inde River including Inden by 2 December. Lucherberg was held against enemy counterattacks on 3 December, and all strongholds west of the Roer River were captured by the 23d. The 104th actively defended its sector near Duren and Merken from 15 December 1944 to 22 February 1945. Then it moved across the Roer taking Huchem-Stammeln, Birkesdorf, and North Duren. On 5 March, after heavy fighting, it entered Koln. After defending the west bank of the Rhine, the Division crossed the river at Honnef, 22 March 1945, and attacked to the east of the Remagen bridgehead. After a period of mopping up and consolidation, it participated in the trap of enemy troops in the Ruhr pocket. The 104th repulsed heavy attacks near Medebach and captured Paderborn, 1 April 1945. After regrouping, it advanced to the east and crossed the Weser River on the 8th, blocking enemy exits from the Harz Mountains. The Division then crossed the Saale River and took Halle in a bitter 5-day struggle, 15 to 19 April. The sector to the Mulde River was cleared by the 21st, and after vigorous patrolling, the Division contacted the Red Army at Pretzsch, 26 April. Copyright https://www.armydivs.com/104th-infantry-division
This helmet originates from the collection of the recently closed Eyewitness Museum!
Shipping: please note shipping for this item might take a few days longer because this item needs to be collected out of our separate secured storage location.