1980's USMC M-1 Steel Helmet Complete

Is there a more iconic piece of U.S. military gear, particularly headgear, than the M-1 Steel Pot?

Let's remember the fighting men of the late Cold War. Although they didn't fight a major war, they stood the line against the Soviet Union in the 1970's and 1980's at a time when the U.S. Military struggled to rebuild following the Vietnam War. They knew that World War III could happen at any time as the result of a slight miscalculation.

The invasion of Grenada and the bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut was 40 years ago. Marines who served in Grenada and Lebanon were still wearing the M-1 helmet with a mix of ERDL and Mitchell pattern covers.

This helmet is in used, good condition. The helmet cover is an ERDL version dated 1980. The helmet shell is in serviceable condition but shows signs of heavy use with some surface rust and small dents. The liner is a 1980's version as is the sweatband. Neither have legible dates but the liner is the last version issued.

Replacing the WWI Brodie (or Kelly) Helmet in the early years of WWII, the M-1 served as the G.I.'s most versatile piece of protective headgear for over 40 years. Aside from providing basic protection against fragments, it could be used for cooking, cleaning, shaving and even as a toilet in desperate situations.

The helmet's profile defined generations of young fighting men. It harkens back to the long lost days of America's citizen soldiers, when drafted American boys were viewed as liberators and a force for freedom. The M-1 Steel Helmet also set the standard for a multitude of friendly nations who used American helmets or produced their own copies. Its replacement in the 1980's by the more protective, but much heavier and far more uncomfortable M-1 Kevlar helmet heralded the end of an era.

Once sold in stacks at surplus stores for a handful of dollars apiece, M-1 helmets are becoming incredibly scarce. This is a true GI helmet; not an aftermarket copy with a plastic liner.