Description
If you like rare, and very clean examples, this helmet is for you…Consisting of a beautiful early fixed bale steel helmet with the original name information written on the inside. Both khaki chinstraps are present as well. The paint on the shell is fantastic, the inside of the steel shell shows the original soldiers name Lt. Col. L.H. Rowell which can possibly be researched.
The liner consists of an incredibly early high pressure liner produced by MSW (MINE SAFETY APPLIANCE) Manufactured in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this “high pressure” manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed “MSA” in the crown. Mine Safety Appliance 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. What is fantastic is the fact this is a very, VERY, early produced example by MSW in regards to the internal unpainted silver A washers, this would be considered on of the earliest liners they produced! The liner also has a near mint early leather green buckle chinstrap still attached, the sweatband is even marked Lt. Col. L.H. Rowell Truly a remarkable piece for any serious collectors display.
I can not stress how incredibly rare it is to find an early M1 helmet that is 100% complete and without any post war modifications, hands down one of the nicest MSW made sets you will ever be able to find, and with the addition of a Lt. Col. marked liner paint too!
