Original US WWII M1 Helmet Liner by Westinghouse with Chinstrap
This is an original U.S. M1 helmet liner produced by Westinghouse, a well known manufacturer 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 producers 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.
This original example is constructed from high-pressure laminated fiber resin, it retains its original wartime 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 suspension system, featuring HBT (herringbone twill) cotton webbing with a few areas of fraying and tearing, and the neck strap, all showing honest service wear and age toning. Unfortunately the sweatband is missing. The “A” washers (the triangular suspension washers) appear to be intact. Someone's name and serial number are painted on the inside edge.
Overall this liner is in good condition.
