USGI M1 Helmet; Paratrooper, Franken-helmet, not really sure?

[ct241]

Pictures: USGI M1 Steel Pot Helmet - Album on Imgur

I bought this front seamed USGI pot helmet and liner from Numrich a while back and I'm trying to learn a bit about its history. From what I gathered, I think its a late WWII helmet and liner that has been modified to be a paratrooper's helmet. I don't know what the "PM50" means. I've also not found any markings indicating the manufacturer.

What parts am I missing and how can I restore this to a correct condition? It seems like its a hodge podge of random parts on a helmet but I'm probably wrong!

Information

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[browningautorifle]

This helmet is certainly set up to represent a para M1C or such helmet. It's among the worst hash ups I've ever seen and am not sure it would hold together on an exit from aircraft let alone a hard landing. Because of what's been done, there's no way to restore it. The marking on the liner will be up in the center of the inside of the liner. The head harness suggests an earlier helmet that's been ruined by someone along the way.

It's possible some foreign country did these up but I doubt it. All the straps have been sewn up by a textile worker, not a factory. Looks like a re-enactor or display helmet.

[ct241]

I'm wondering if it was done at some point by some foreign country. The fact that I bought it from Numrich gun parts makes me think it's not been messed with by some re-enactor or anything. I could be totally wrong though. The "paratrooper" chin strap doesn't look like any other I've seen before, so that's what threw me off. I just took another look in the liner and was made by Westinghouse Electric Company. The paint on the helmet also doesn't look correct for WWII.

I'm still curious what the PM50 may represent.

[browningautorifle]

Where is the PM50, inside the front edge of the steel shell? It would be a heat lot code if it is...I should think there'd be another number letter to it also...

I wore an M1C for 25 years and that helmet wouldn't last through any sort of harsh activity that jump helmets were subjected to.

[ct241]

It's painted on the inside brim of the liner in white over black paint. It should be the first picture in the imgur album.

I agree, the helmet is not very secure on the head.

[browningautorifle]

inside brim of the liner

Oh sure, seen. Don't know off hand what that is. Here's a few pics of a real jumper...M1C

[Harlan (Deceased)]

BAR is completely correct on this one, and he's being overly nice not trying to hurt your feelings - (What's up with that Jim)
The helmet is a true faked mess from all over the historical spectrum of different era AND it has many repro parts added too.

M1C's from every era have gone through the roof! WWII examples can fetch thousands, and even Vietnam era M1C's have started to skyrocket in value so there are many fakes recently.

Fully correct Vietnam era M1C's can go from $200 to much over depending on condition and correctness. Bill Hollinger has a perfect 1960-1965 and a 1965-1970's M1C and they're going up in value since they are correct and in almost perfect condition. Sadly, and sorry, but your helmet screams a fake rebuild to any M1 helmet collector and is only worth around $30 to the right buyer.

[browningautorifle]

Finally you appear Harlan...we were waiting for you.

[Sarge]

Interesting to hear that original jump helmets are so valuable!
I brought mine home from jump school in 68. I also have the one that I wore when I made a couple of jumps in RVN.
Not sure, but I think I have an earlier one too.
Just had a thought, that could be an Iraqi helmet liner. They did some similar mods and wore the liner as a stand alone helmet - probably for guard duty or parades, but ??? Have to did mine out and see how it compares.
Sarge

[Harlan (Deceased)]

If the suspension in the crown is olive drab and has a circle shape tie, it's the early version.

If the crown has the crown straps as solid straps crossing over each other with no circle, it's the newer '65 type. The example from the OP has a white tie in the crown that's definitely wrong. No it's not Iraqi at all. Their helmets looked a little like M1's but there are different. This helmet has components from many different years and newer repro components that are the wrong era. Unfortunately it's a mess.

YES. Hang onto your correct Vietnam era M1C paratrooper helmets! They have finally gone up in value and I think they'll continue to rise.