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Is there a more iconic piece of U.S. military gear, particularly headgear, than the M-1 Steel Pot?
This is a genuine Vietnam War era M-1 helmet and liner. The webbing was replaced with new, high quality reproductions from J-Murray. The helmet is a rear seam shell with a 1960's era Parish marking. The liner is an original, thin P-64 with the impregnated canvas. There are a couple of small tears at the edge (pictured). These have been re-epoxied for continued use.
This is the perfect helmet for a reenactor who is looking for a solid, serviceable helmet that is almost entirely period correct, but with a cover he can use and abuse and cover with graffiti.
Original Parts:- 1960's Parish Rear Seam Helmet Shell- "P64" Helmet Liner- Nape Band (date illegible)- Sweatband (NOS dated 1972)
Reproduction/"Modern" Parts- Reversible Camouflage Cover (Reproduction)- Elastic Foliage Band (1980's with cat's eyes removed)- Liner Webbing Halo (J-Murray Reproduction)- Chin Strap (J-Murray Reproduction)
Replacing the WWI Brodie (or Kelly) Helmet in the early years of WWII, the M-1 served as the G.I.'s most versatile piece of protective headgear for over 40 years. Aside from providing basic protection against fragments, it could be used for cooking, cleaning, shaving and even as a toilet in desperate situations.
The helmet's profile defined generations of young fighting men. It harkens back to the long lost days of America's citizen soldiers, when drafted American boys were viewed as liberators and a force for freedom. The M-1 Steel Helmet also set the standard for a multitude of friendly nations who used American helmets or produced their own copies. Its replacement in the 1980's by the more protective, but much heavier and far more uncomfortable M-1 Kevlar helmet heralded the end of an era.
Once sold in stacks at surplus stores for a handful of dollars apiece, M-1 helmets are becoming incredibly scarce. This is a true GI helmet; not an aftermarket copy with a plastic liner.
