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March 2022 Auction Day 1
Lot 254:
US M-1 Combat Helmet of the 3rd Infantry Division
The U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division
The 3rd Infantry Division (nicknamed The Rock of the Marne) is a combined arms division of the United States Army based at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
The 3rd Division is the only division of the U.S. Army during World War II that fought the Axis on all European fronts, and was among the first American combat units to engage in offensive ground combat operations.
This is a very nice example of a genuine late WWII Issue helmet, with each side bearing a very nice painted U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division Logo.
The U.S. WWII M-1 helmet was only produced from 1941 to 1945.
The early M-1 helmet shells had a set of fixed (static) chinstrap loops called "bales" and 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 is a fine example and still retains all of its original WWII parts and the shell has original "corked" grain paint with front seam and static bails. The chin strap is the correct early war with blacked brass stamped hardware. The strap shows age and wear related fading as shown.
The liner is correct “high pressure” WWII issue and stamped with an Cross with letters CAPAC
This true US WWII M-1 helmet liner 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 solid condition with light wear. This HBT suspension is held within the M-1 helmet liner by rivets and a series of triangular "A" washers, and the three upper suspension bands are joined together with the correct OD green string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. Unfortunately the sweatband and liner chin strap are completely missing.
An excellent genuine WWII issue helmet marked to the 3rd Infantry Division, perfect for any collection! Ready to display!
VERY IMPORTANT !!!
Shiping from our office in Europe.
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