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WWII USMC M-1 Fixed bail Helmet -
The M1 helmet is a combat helmet that was used by the American military from World War II until it was succeeded by the PASGT helmet beginning in 1985. For over forty years, the M1 was standard issue for the U.S. military and naval forces, and has become an icon of the American military, with its design inspiring other militaries around the world.

The item featured here is a United States Army M-1 helmet. As issued during World War Two.

This is a a fine example of a US Army M1 helmet. Note that "Bushmaster" and rank matching decals have been applied to the helmet and liner. The use of decals was not very common among US troops.

The shell has a front seam and fixed bails. this is an early version of the helmet used during WWII. The liner suspension system seems to be made up of a combination of WWII and Korean war parts. There are several marks in the liner but no dates. The liner has been converted to be used by paratroopers by adding snaps on the inside.




The design of the helmet consists of a metal shell with two swivel bails attached to each side. The canvis chin strap is secured to each bail. A metal buckle device attached to the end of the chin straps hooked together to secure the helmet to the soldier's head.

A fiberglass liner is placed inside of the metal shell. The liner was lighter in weight and contained the canvis suspension that made the helmet more comfortable to wear. The liner has a thin lether chin strap that was not permanently attached to it.

The liner could be worn without the shell. The shell could not be worn without the liner. The front of the liner has a metal gromet. Rank insignia could be attached through the hole. This practice was abandoned after it was realized that enemy snipers could identify and target officers.



This page is a recognition and identification guide for US hats and helmets. Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points that should be noted.

One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my US headgear worth?". A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the hats and helmets is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of US militaria in the collector's market is illustrated.

This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of MilitaryItems.com, a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?
  1. FAQ's
  2. M-1 Helmet anatomy
  3. Identifying fakes and reproductions
  4. Stamps and manufacturing markings
  5. Construction materials
  6. Pins, hinges and other
  7. Perspective view
  8. Purchasing WWII US Headgear








The M-1 Helmet

The "Military minute" is a series of instructional videos created by MilitaryItems.com for the purpose of providing basic information about military collectibles. The idea is to expose people to the exciting world of military collectibles.

The video presentation coupled with detailed photographs and written information, including a military collectible's price guide, enhances the visitor's experience.

Whether you are a long time collector, a beginner or simply have an interest in the history and value of each collectible, we hope that you find the information presented here useful.













US headgear is currently being reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this headgear. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.



If you have an interest is seeing other American military headgear, you can do so by going to our US Military headgear identification guide. Where we cover Army, Navy, Army Air Force and other organizations.



PRICING GUIDE INFORMATION

The value for the US WWII helmets and other military antiques and collectibles is provided as a means to educate the collector community and individuals who have a general interest on the field. The following is an estimated value. Prices may vary in every state and every country. This service is provided courtesy of MilitaryItems.com . The source for military antiques and collectibles in the web.

Year 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Value $600.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Availability Very rare Very rare Very rare Very rare Very rare
Invest Grade A A A A A


While the item featured here is not for sale, similar items like it are available for purchase in our website MilitaryItems.com


 
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