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

[Harlan (Deceased)]

You got it right Jim. It's based on the first PASGT USGI kevlar helmet with the added parts.

FWIW, I still use 'Windows 7' here. I LOVED Windows XP, but Microsoft quickly forced their next two operating systems on all of us so that XP was obsolete. XP really worked better than any MS Operating System ever, but Microsoft had to change it so they could make more billions on newer operating Systems.

I've been through SO MUCH with Windows over the past 15 years just to keep my job as the 'Specialist/Trainer" --- All windows really seems to do is move things around so that it looks different, but as a user they mostly only change where familiar things are located. It's just a silly scam IMHO.

[Kozowy1967]

Just thought I might add a little to this thread gents here is a Late war M-1 C Para from my collection.
The liner is a repainted late war production Westy in the proper configuration sporting OD#7 A-Yokes and blackened brass A washers the chincup is as well a later war four hole as opposed to the earlier war five grommet.
The liner suspension has been torn which as I start to delve into the world of M-1's I started to hear is a fairly common occurance as the sweatbands shrink and can put to much pressure on the webbing causing them to tear needless to say I have loosened off all the sweatbands on the M-1's in my collection.
As to the M-1 it is a rear seam swivel bail and as well has been repainted it is my understanding that these can be found in this configuration very late war and early post war alike if you look closely you can notice that there is a white emblem and or flash painted on the side of the helmet body under the repaint but it is impossible to determine exactly what it is.
I believe I am correct that the production on the rear seam swivel Bail started in November of 1944.
There is only a partial heat stamp visable as the rest is obscured by paint it is sporting a cork finish and IMO a stainless steel rim so with out a doubt WW II .
My best guess on the heat stamp would be ( 1116 B ) this would put the production date as very late in 1944.
The chinstraps are the longer para OD#7 with press the stud fasteners for attaching to the liner .
The net that came with the M-1 is a section of vehicle Camouflage netting and IMO is WW II era as is the hessian scrim.
If any of you gents would like to see any detailed images of the liner and or the shell feel free to ask.

Regards Mark

[Harlan (Deceased)]

$$$$ CHA CHING!!! $$$$ Nice latter WWII M1C!

Man, I wonder if that's a playing card symbol under the paint? They regularly painted over the unit/medic markings, but your helmet is worth too much as is to take a chance removing paint.

[browningautorifle]

The inside straps simply broke from sweat rotting them. The stresses and abuse was also a factor, it wasn't over tight headbands. The whole canvas affair would just get rotten over time...

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Yup, it's pretty common with WWII liners.

[Kozowy1967]

Hi Harlan I was starting to wonder if anyone was going to reply my understanding is that they were not to tight but had a tendacy to shrink.
If I try and match up the two pieces of material on the headband they will not stretch far enough to rejoin the two there is almost a 1/4 inch gap between them.
As to the original chincup on the Franken helmet IMHO it is the Canadian variation as are liners had slide buckles instead of grommet ed straps they are a little thicker than there US cousins and are 9 1/6 wide as it is the spitting image of the example on my Canadian modified jump liner.
Now back to the late war M1-C without a doubt there are traces of white paint which just adds to the history of the piece I am not one for stripping paint of of any of the helms in my collection as then they are IMO messed with.

Kind Regards Mark

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Hi Kozowy1967. Welcome to the site!

On a positive note I've seen WWII era M1C's in much worse condition than yours that still sell for a lot!

[Kozowy1967]

Thank you Harlan I should have properly introduced my self in the welcome thread.
As to the condition it was one of the reasons I purchased this example it screams of being field used.
One of the tells are the A washers have a slight bend in them were they attach to the A yokes which suggests additional stress on these particular components ( ie..the shock from exiting the aircraft ).

Kind Regards Mark

[browningautorifle]

I was starting to wonder if anyone was going to reply my understanding is that they were not to tight but had a tendacy to shrink.

I just did...and they all saw hard use. Not as dramatic as the exits from aircraft, that's actually isolated compared to the droll day to day use and abuse we put them through. Lots of us here wore these...and can attest.

[Kozowy1967]

Thanks for the reply Jim I was using my smart phone earlier and did not notice someone else had chimbed in on the discussion .
If you are current or ex military my ut-most deepest respect and thank you for your service glad to see another forum member here from the Island .

Regards Mark