WWII U.S. Inland/Firestone M-1 Helmet Liner with Headband & Sterling Silver Capt.'s Rank Pin (1943-44)

Description

This is an original WWII U.S. M-1 helmet liner. Secured on its front is the original sterling silver rank insignia of a captain. Interestingly, the original owner created additional holes in order to pass the insignia's pins through. The duck cloth liner body was produced by Inland Manufacturing Division, a subsidiary of General Motors Company located in Dayton, Ohio, but was then finished by Firestone Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio, who received all of Inland's unfinished helmet liners when its focus shifted to producing other war materiel, such as the M-1 Carbine. It features green painted steel A-washers and an OD#3 (khaki) suspension, approximately dating the liner's production from mid-1943 to mid-1944. The suspension comes complete with its original Standard Handbags, Inc. headband. The liner's exterior retains its original olive drab factory finish.

Provenance

Private Collection, Parkville, Maryland

Condition Report

This helmet liner is in good, used condition. There is some stress on the liner's suspension and a small crack at the rear.