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March 2022 Auction Day 1
Lot 251:
M1 Combat Helmet USA 29th Infantry Division
The M-1 helmet was developed as a replacement for the M-1917 helmet that had seen use since WW1. It was designed by using the crown of the M-1917, removing the brim and adding extensions to protect the neck, ears, and forehead. The resulting form was then used as a template for the production of a helmet body from a single piece of Hadfield Manganese Steel. The liner and suspension were developed after a modified Riddel Football helmet. The M-1 helmet was approved for production in June of 1941. Early models had solid loops (fixed bale) for the chin straps but they broke off to often and were replaced with a moveable hinged loop. The original rim of the helmet was made of stainless steel but it was found that the paint that was used would wear off to easily and leave a shiny reflective surface. To remedy this they switched to a Hadfield Manganese Steel and also changed the butt of the rim from the front to the rear of the helmet body. This change took place in October of 1944. The M-1 helmet had the best ballistic characteristics of any helmet developed up to then.
Shell only. The shell heavily worn and used. Hand painted Sign 29th Infantry Division.The shells rim is edged in stainless steel with the seam at front visor with two spot weld marks to interior. On either side, spot welded in place, are moveable hinged loops as introduced in 1943. No chinstrap or linerThe helmet shell itself in the original painting. The helmet bell is stamped with the number:
3871
Additional unrecognizable inscriptions painted inside (owner details?)
Brief Normandy Landing Unit history:
The cross-channel invasion of France finally came on June 6, 1944, Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy. The 29th Infantry Division sent the 116th Infantry Regiment to support western flank of the 1st Infantry Division’s 16th Infantry Regiment at Omaha Beach.
Omaha was known to be the most difficult of the five landing beaches, due to its rough terrain and bluffs overlooking the beach, which had been well fortified by its German defenders of the 352nd Infantry Division.
By nightfall, the division headquarters landed on the beach with about 60 percent of the division’s total strength, and began organizing the push inland. The entire division had landed in Normandy by June 7.By June 9, Omaha Beach was secure and the division occupied Signy.
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Shiping from our office in Europe.
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