WW2 US Fixed Bales , Front Seam M1 Helmet With Hawley Liner

A rare example of a totally 'always been together' early production M1 helmet with front seam/fixed bales & Hawley Fibre Liner this the first American helmet liner produced for use with the M1 helmet.
Helmet shell has raised bar brass buckle that has blackened with age & early lot number to steel of 71A which dates to 1941. Several changes were made to the Hawley liner the first being its silver rayon webbing replaced by a standard khaki colour.
This example is of the earliest first manufacture with silver rayon webbing & fixed chinstrap rivet.
Black ink stamped 'FIBRE M-1' visible to interior.
Outside is overall good with some light water marks to OD twill material. Fraying around edges.
A rare part of early M1 helmet history.

Many US assault troops who landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day 6th June 1944 were wearing this configuration of early issue helmet having been issued them in the USA before coming to England & training on the run up to the invasion.

Code: 15068