Army Helmet Lining
Artifact
1972.21.50b
American M1 Korean War high pressure combat helmet liner. Rounded crown, not much of a brim except a slight downward angled peak at the front, canvas chin strap and suspension inside, weave of the compressed and hardened canvas is visible on lining. The M1 helmet was used by the United States military from World War II until 1985. This particular liner example is dated to the Korean War due to manufacturing characteristic such as strap colour, lack of ventilation hole, and maker mark. Red inverted peace sign stencilled on the front.
The M1 is two "one-size-fits-all" helmets—an outer metal shell, sometimes called the "steel pot", and a hard hat–type liner. Helmet covers and netting would be applied by covering the steel shell with the extra material tucked inside the shell and secured by inserting the liner. The liner is made from many parts. The outer part is shaped to fit snugly into the steel shell. The various elements of the suspension system are riveted, later clipped, inside it. The suspension is made from strips of webbing material stretching around and across the inside of the liner. A sweatband is mounted onto these, which is adjusted to fit around the head of the wearer. World War II and Korean War era liners also have their own chinstrap made from brown leather. The liner chinstrap is snapped or riveted directly to the inside of the liner and does not have bails like the shell chinstrap, but it still swivels inside the helmet. The liner chinstrap is usually seen looped over the brim of the shell and helps to keep the shell in place when its own chinstraps aren't in use.
Shell for liner is 1972.21.50a.
Hardened Canvas
Name "Israel Horrerd [perhaps, difficult to make out surname]" and number "12725785" written on inner canvas strap.
Personal Artefacts, Clothing – Headwear, Helmet