WWII U.S. Inland M-1 Helmet Liner with Headband & Neckband (1943)

Description

This is an original WWII U.S. M-1 helmet liner. It was produced by Inland Manufacturing Division, a subsidiary of General Motors Company located in Dayton, Ohio. In mid-1943, Inland shifted its focus to producing other war materiel, such as the M-1 Carbine, and sold all of its unfinished liner bodies to Firestone Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio, who then went on to complete them. As such, very few Inland liners are found with green painted steel A-washers, as the transition from non-painted steel A-washers occurred at the same time Inland stopped producing M-1 helmet liners. In fact, we can see evidence of this transition within this liner. One of the A-washers on its neck suspension is the earlier non-painted steel variety, while the rest are green. The OD#3 (khaki) suspension comes complete with its original neckband and a recently installed headband. The liner's exterior retains its original olive drab factory finish.

Provenance

Private Collection, Gilbert, Arizona

Condition Report

This helmet liner is in good, lightly used condition. The headband's leather has dried somewhat with age.