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Found M1 helmet at the thrift store... Help with markings?

Discussion in 'Uniforms, Personal Gear (Kit) and Accessories' started by bizindy, Mar 16, 2019.

  1. bizindy

    bizindy New Member

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    Bought this in my local thrift store for $20.
    I recognized this as an early M1 helmet (at least I think so!) - but can anyone tell me what the marking is of exactly?
    Who would have worn it?

    Was this a good buy?
    Value?

    Thank you for your expertise!

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    Last edited: Mar 16, 2019
  2. chibobber

    chibobber Member

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    Look like laurel leaves.May be for an honor guard unit. Maybe a Meritorious Unit Citation.
     
    Last edited: Mar 16, 2019
  3. OpanaPointer

    OpanaPointer I Point at Opana Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    Scratches are "116B", which is possibly the number for that helmet if it's an honor guard unit.
     
  4. chibobber

    chibobber Member

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    116B is the heat treat number,placed during manufacture. Some can be traced to a date of manufacture.
     
    OpanaPointer likes this.
  5. Oregon Diver

    Oregon Diver Member

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    Whatever the other markings, $20.00 is a good deal. Most sources charge twice that or more. I'm not that familiar with helmets, but I do know that there is something about the rim seam being in the front vice in the back, and it has something to do with the age / era of the helmet. Nice buy.
     
  6. Martin Bull

    Martin Bull Acting Wg. Cdr

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    Can't help with the markings, and this isn't really my field of knowledge, but M1s with fixed bails are WW2-period. The front seam is also a good pointer.

    $20 sounds like a genuine bargain for this item !
     

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