WWII U.S. McCord M-2 "D-Bail" Paratrooper Helmet Shell with Painted Capt.'s Rank Insignia (1942)

Description

This is an original WWII U.S. M-2 "D-bail" paratrooper helmet shell. Stenciled on its front in white paint is the original rank insignia of a captain, while the reverse showcases the remnants of two strips of medical tape, which was often used by paratroopers to keep the helmet shell and liner together while entering the prop blast of a C-47 Skytrain. This helmet was manufactured by McCord Radiator & Manufacturing Co. of Detroit, Michigan and exhibits a lot number of "185C", approximately dating its production to mid-1942. During WWII, McCord produced around 20 million steel helmet shells. Of those, American Paratrooper Helmets posits 392,000 were made as the M-2 version, with The M-1 Helmet of the World War II GI estimating the production total at a much lower 118,000. These helmets had a significant design flaw; pressure put on the loops would often cause them to snap at the welds, as evidenced on this example. Although damaged, authenticity can still be confirmed by examining the remaining “feet” of the original loops. Original M-2 welds have a distance of 36 millimeters, whereas standard M-1 welds are only 31 millimeters apart. M-2 feet have a distinctive shape that the M-1 lacks. The M-1’s loops are also made out of stainless steel, whereas the M-2’s loops are not. In addition to its original painted markings, the helmet retains its original olive drab factory finish and cork texture. Interestingly, its original owner appears to have used the helmet as a wash basin, as evidenced by the soap residue found in its interior. Due to limited production numbers, the design flaw, as well as having to endure a war, original M-2 helmets are incredibly scarce. This helmet would display quite nicely when paired with an original St. Clair paratrooper liner.

Provenance

Private Collection, Byron, Georgia

Condition Report

This helmet shell is in good, used condition, with wear consistent with that of a combat-used example. There are two stress cracks at the rear.