Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a classic World War II-era US military M1 'steel pot' helmet paired with a high-pressure composite liner. The steel shell features a front-seam stainless steel rim and fixed chinstrap loops, while the liner displays hand-painted unit or training numbers, indicating active service or tactical training use.
Story
In 1941, the US military revolutionized soldier protection by introducing the two-part M1 helmet. These specific pieces, bearing hand-painted numbers, likely served in tactical training or specific unit coordination during the height of the global conflict.
Maker / Origin
The steel shell was manufactured by McCord Radiator of Detroit, which produced the vast majority of WWII M1 helmets. The lightweight inner liner was crafted by Westinghouse, utilizing a groundbreaking high-pressure Micarta plastic molding process originally developed for industrial insulation.
Condition & Value
Both pieces show heavy service wear. The steel shell has a significant puncture/hole near the crown, and the painted insignia is heavily weathered. The liner shows scuffs, paint loss on the hand-painted '13', and likely wear to the interior webbing.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.