Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very unique example of a genuine WWII Front-Seam Fixed Bale M1 Helmet that was picked up in Normandy in the 1990s. The rim of the helmet is jagged as the helmet has broken up on the ends. One of the fixed bales is half-way off and the crown of the helmet has been dented inward. The helmet’s interior and exterior are heavily oxidized as shown.

The U.S. WWII M-1 helmet was only produced from 1941 to 1945. The first production batch resulted with over 323,510 M-1 helmets before the start of the American involvement in the war. This helmet’s heat stamp is too oxidized to read, but the fixed bales indicate an earlier production, roughly 1941-1943.

The earlier produced 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).

Someone wrote some letters in the shell’s interior, but we are unsure of their meaning. We were told when we received this helmet that it was picked up in Normandy during the 1990s, but we have no further information than this.

This shell is a nasty reminder of the gruesome reality that is warfare. Comes ready for further research and display.