Classic Original U.s. Wwii 1943 M1 Schlueter Fixed Bale Front Seam Helmet With Damaged Staff Sergeant’s Capac Liner [limited Qty] [Ah0L1rN4]

Original Item: Only One Available. In World War II the production of the M1 helmet began in June 1941 and ceased in September 1945. The total production of M-1 helmet shells during the war reached 22,000,000. Of these about 20,000,000 were produced by the main contractor McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company of Detroit. Although McCord was supposed to be the single source of M-1 helmet shells, by the summer of 1942 a second company was enlisted to help the production effort. This was Schlueter Manufacturing of St. Louis, Missouri.

Schlueter began production of its M-1 helmet shells in January 1943. Schlueter produced only 2,000,000 M-1 helmet shells during the war (both fixed and swivel). They placed an S stamp on their helmet shells above their "heat temperature stamp.

Aside from the markings, there are some subtle differences between a McCord and Schlueter M-1 helmet shell. This can be found on the rims. A Schlueter helmet shell has a much straighter profile than the classic McCord brim.

This rare helmet is a great example and retains all of its original WW2 parts and paint. The shell is stamped 161A over S indicating Schlueter manufacture and dating from approximately October 1943, right before the change to swivel bales. M-1 helmet shells had a stainless steel rim. These rims were both rust resistant and had "non-magnetic qualities" that reduced the chance of error readings when placed around certain sensitive equipment (such as a compass). This helmet features the correct front seam rim and early war fixed bales. The shell has several stress cracks around the helmet, with three major ones we can count. There are also some small dents that could be trauma. The chinstrap is retained but very heavily worn. 

The helmet comes complete with high pressure WWII issue and stamped with the CAPAC Manufacturing Company logo with frontal eyelet. Manufactured in Capac, Michigan this high pressure manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed cross with the words Capac in the crown. Capac Manufacturing Company started M-1 helmet liner delivery to the US Army in September 1942. They produced approximately between 2,000,000 - 4,000,000 M-1 helmet liners and discontinued production around August 17 1945 when the war ended.

The liner is in very rough condition with a large break in the liner on the left side, with another large tear on the front brim. The front of the liner has a decal for an Army Staff Sergeant. The exterior paint is very heavily chipped. The liner suspension is heavily worn and fraying. The liner chinstrap is absent. 

This true US WWII M-1 helmet liner can be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WWII features include cotton OD Green #3 herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in very good shape. This HBT suspension is held tightly within the M-1 helmet liner by rivets and a series of triangular "A" washers. The three upper suspension bands are joined together with the correct OD green string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit.

This is a genuine WWII issue helmet perfect for any collection! Ready to display!