Split US M1 Helmet Shells

[Flying10uk]

Did the US really issue M1 helmets with split shells as this eBay listing, if you read it, appears to indicate? I've not heard of it before but, of course, that doesn't mean it never happened.

POST WW2 USA M1 HELMET c/w LINER, CHINSTRAP, COVER WEBBING STRAP | eBay

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[browningautorifle]

Yes that was something not so unusual to see. We'd just exchange those for new though. Had to do with the hardening I think? Someone else will be along to sort us...

[Flying10uk]

We'd just exchange those for new

That is what I would have expected to happen, not issued with cracks already in the helmet as the listing suggests.

At the manufacturing stage forming the helmet bowl out of the special high carbon alloy steel, without it cracking, is much tougher than if the same operation was carried out with a lower carbon mild steel. I don't know that the US ever heat treated their M1 helmets during the manufacturing process but it would be logical to do so to achieve a consistent level of hardness.

[browningautorifle]

. I don't know that the US ever heat treated their M1 helmets

Not sure, I expect they would as the Germans did and then tested lots with a ball like old breast plate armor. I think you know what I mean... Again, I expect someone else along shortly...