Original US WWII M1 Helmet Liner with Chinstrap by Westinghouse
This is an original U.S. M1 helmet liner produced by Westinghouse, one of the principal wartime manufacturers of M1 liners. The liner is a correct high pressure WWII issue and stamped with a W in a circle for the Westinghouse Electric Company. Westinghouse was the largest M1 helmet liner producer and had two production divisions; Micarta and Bryant Electric. The Micarta Division produced about 13,000,000 M1 helmet liners and the Bryant Electric Division about 10,000,000. Westinghouse Electric Company started M-1 helmet liner delivery in May 1942. Westinghouse did have a contract to produce airborne liners and converted an unknown amount to airborne configuration. Westinghouse discontinued production around August 1945 when the war ended.
Constructed from high-pressure laminated fiber resin, this example retains its original wartime-style olive drab factory paint, showing expected surface wear, scratches, and minor scuffs from age and service use. The outer surface displays its original texture with no postwar repainting. The original leather chinstrap is in very good condition and nicely intact.
The interior retains the complete suspension system, featuring HBT (herringbone twill) cotton webbing, leather sweatband, and neck strap, all showing honest service wear and age toning. The leather sweatband remains supple with surface cracking, typical of use and age. The “A” washers (the triangular suspension washers) appear to be intact.
Overall this liner is in excellent condition.
