WWII U.S. McCord Fixed Loop M-1 Helmet Shell (1941)

Description

This is an original WWII U.S. front seam fixed loop M-1 helmet shell. It was produced by McCord Radiator & Manufacturing Co. of Detroit, Michigan and exhibits a unique lot number of "34C 3", approximately dating its production to mid-1941. Early M-1 helmet production was plagued with quality control issues, such as the cracking of the steel sheets upon forming the helmets' shape, which necessitated further testing. "When tests were authorized, the pressing concern would receive the sheets from the mill assigning the heat a standard lot and lift designation with the addition of a number after the alpha suffix to segregate the lot from the control" (Giles 261). This helmet was assigned the additional number "3" after the lot's "C" alpha suffix. It retains its original olive drab field repaint, cork texture, and field-applied OD#7 (green) chinstraps with steel hardware and a flat buckle.

Provenance

Private Collection, Searcy, Arkansas

Condition Report

This helmet shell is in good, used condition, with wear consistent with that of a combat-used example. The chinstraps are frayed near the loops and there are three stress cracks at the rear of the helmet.