United States Navy Chaplain's M1 Helmet

United States Navy Chaplain's M1 Helmet. The M-1 helmet was developed as a replacement for the M-1917 helmet that had seen use since WW1. The M-1 helmet was approved for production in June of 1941. Early models had solid loops (fixed bale) for the chin straps but they broke off to often and were replaced with a moveable hinged loop. This is a helmet with the fixed bale loops and front seam stainless steel rim. The helmet shows the stamped heat numbers '63B', this indicates production by the 'McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company' of Detroit. The helmet is complete with its original factory sewn chinstrap. The helmet is painted in naval gray and showing nicely hand painted chaplain's crosses and a US Navy symbol in white paint. The helmet comes with an original navy type liner, complete with leather chinstrap. The helmet liner is marked by 'Westinghouse'. The liner is in very good condition, the outside of the liner is painted in naval gray colour. Extremely rare and interesting original M1 helmet in very good condition!