United States. An M1 Steel Combat Helmet with Liner

A two-piece steel combat helmet set composed of an outer M1 helmet shell and removable liner, the outer shell constructed of manganese steel with a textured olive drab finish displaying light abrasions, scattered contact marks and minor paint wear consistent with service use, the rim finished in rolled stainless steel, fitted with fixed chinstrap bales and retaining its khaki web chinstrap with blackened steel buckle hardware; the interior of the shell finished in olive drab paint showing areas of wear and adhesive residue from long-term liner contact, the removable liner constructed of compressed fibre with olive drab painted exterior and brown interior finish, fitted with a khaki cotton web suspension system arranged in the standard six-point star pattern with central tie cord, retaining its leather sweatband and adjustable web headband with metal studs, together with the liner chinstrap in matching webbing with metal buckle; two of the internal suspension straps marked “P.K.M.” in ink, indicating period ownership or issue markings applied by the wearer or supply personnel. The helmet and liner remain structurally sound with visible age and honest service patina.

Footnote: The M1 Steel Helmet was introduced by the United States Army in 1941 as a replacement for the earlier M1917 helmet and became the standard American combat helmet throughout the Second World War, the Korean War and the early Vietnam War. Its innovative two-piece construction, consisting of a steel outer shell and removable liner, allowed soldiers to wear the liner independently when the steel shell was not required and greatly improved comfort and versatility in the field. The liner’s internal suspension system provided shock absorption and ventilation, while the outer steel shell offered ballistic protection against shrapnel and battlefield debris. Produced during the Second World War by several manufacturers including McCord Radiator & Manufacturing Company and Schlueter Manufacturing Company.