Original U.S. Late WWII M1 Schlueter Helmet with Hood Liner & 1953 Dated USMC Camo Cover-SOLD

After WWII concluded, the U.S. military was left with large numbers of still serviceable M1 helmets, as well as many that were never put into service.  The M1 helmet specifications went through some changes before the Korean War started, however existing stocks were still perfectly acceptable, so many were re-issued from components on hand.

This example late WWII rare Schlueter made shell is fitted with a 1953-dated U.S.M.C. camouflage cover, and issued to the Marine Corps during the Korean war.

During 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. Also the shape of the spot welds used to attach the chin strap bales and rim were different. This late war production helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original parts and corked grain paint. The steel shell is stamped 264A along with a large S indicating Schlueter manufacture towards the end of WWII. It still retains the original correct OD Green #7 sewn on chin strap attached to its swivel bales, with the correct stamped steel buckle along with a large S indicating Schlueter manufacture towards the end of WWII. It still retains the original correct OD Green #7 sewn on chin strap attached to its swivel bales and correctly stamped steel buckle.