Vietnam Era M-1C Paratrooper Helmet

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

This is the rare M-1C paratrooper variant of the classic steel pot. It is in used, good condition. The helmet shell has some dents in the crown which are not noticeable when the cover is on it. The webbing and hardware are in excellent condition. It has an Ingersoll heat stamp, which places this helmet firmly within the Vietnam War production timeline. The liner is is the later, thicker version and it is clearly dated 1967. The nape strap markings are not legible. It comes with a NOS period chin cup. The cover is clearly well worn and it has the salty look. It is dated 1974. This helmet does not come with a sweatband.

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.