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Description
This original and exceptionally rare U.S. M-1C paratrooper helmet shell is actually of WWII production and was reissued for continued service during the Vietnam War. It resulted from the partnership between Parish Pressed Steel Co. and Reading Hardware Corp., both of Reading, Pennsylvania. Parish-Reading helmets account for less than half of 1% of all M-1 helmets produced during WWII (Circa1941, 2022). Stamped just below the wearer's right chinstrap loop is the lot number of "P4", approximately dating its production from June to August of 1945. The aforementioned chinstrap loop is a rigger replacement, quite likely making this the only original "fixed loop" Parish-Reading helmet in the entire world. Painted inside is the original owner's service number, "T-70568704". Unfortunately, a search of the National Archives did not reveal a match; however, we can be certain the original owner was a flight officer, as evidenced by the "T" prefix. The helmet retains several layers of original olive drab field repaints and remnants of OD#7 (green) paratrooper chinstraps. Interestingly, it showcases one green painted steel chinstrap bracket (denoting Korean War production), while the other side's blackened hardware shows it was updated again during the Vietnam War.
Provenance
Private Collection, Chatham, United Kingdom
Condition Report
Fair
Good
Excellent
This helmet shell is in fair, well used condition. There is surface rust throughout and several stress cracks at both the front and rear of the helmet. Unfortunately, the longer chinstrap is torn.
