Incredible original World War Two - Korean War era Helmet Grouping named to a 30-year career Marine Corps Colonel.
The first helmet with the Yellow “98” Stencil Shell is a Korean War era RSSB M1 Helmet featuring yellow stenciled numbers applied to shell and liner. The Liner is WWII and manufactured by Westinghouse and is named “Ashby” inside with a service number. This liner is likely re-issued and saw service in WWII. The shell is a nice example of a genuine Korean War era Rear-Seam Swivel Bale US Navy - US Marine Corps M1 Helmet made by McCord, fitted with a Westinghouse liner. The US M-1 helmet was produced from 1941 to 1945. The first production batch resulted with over 323,510 M-1 helmets before the start of the American involvement in the war. Two main companies produced the majority of M1 helmets - McCord Radiator & Manufacturing Co., located in Detroit, Michigan and Schlueter Manufacturing Co., located in St. Louis, Missouri. McCord began production in June 1941 and by the end of the war it had produced twenty million M1 helmets. Aside from the markings, there are some subtle differences between a McCord and Schlueter M-1 helmet shell. This can be found on the rims. A Schlueter helmet shell has a much straighter profile than the classic McCord brim. Also the weld marks on the rim are small and round on a Schlueter, while they are oval and wide for a McCord. This M1 steel shell is produced by McCord and is stamped 184A.
The early M-1 helmet shells had a set of fixed chinstrap loops called "bales" and a stainless steel rim. These rims were both rust resistant and had "non-magnetic qualities" that reduced the chance of error readings when placed around certain sensitive equipment (such as a compass). In late 1943, a set of bales which swiveled were introduced, which reduced the risk of breakage like the earlier fixed bales. This particular helmet is of the swivel bale variety, with OD#7 chinstraps fitted with a stamped steel buckle. The liner is correct "high pressure" WWII issue and stamped with a W for the Westinghouse Electric Co, Manufactured in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this "high pressure" manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed "W" in the crown (which is still Westinghouse's logo to this day). Westinghouse was the largest M-1 helmet liner producer and had two production divisions; Micarta and Bryant Electric. The Micarta Division produced about 13,000,000 M-1 helmet liners and the Bryant Electric Division about 10,000,000. Westinghouse Electric Company started M-1 helmet liner delivery in May 1942. Westinghouse did have a contract to produce airborne liners and converted an unknown amount to airborne configuration. Westinghouse discontinued production around August 17, 1945 when the war ended.
The second helmet is a FSSB M1 Helmet featuring a First Pattern Type-3 Frogskin Helmet Cover. This helmet is heat-lot stamped and appears to read 155E. The liner is Westinghouse manufactured with a 13 stamp and OD3 webbing. The napestrape is unfortunately not legible. The outer shell of the liner features a yellow stenciled “9” indicating US Navy / USMC use. The original WWII U.S. Marine Corps camouflage helmet cover features the distinctive double-chain center stitching and zig-zag border stitching on the beach side. It is still in its wartime configuration, with no Eagle Globe & Anchor stampings on either side of the cover. Interestingly, the beach side is marked with Condrey’s name written on the wearers right side and the back. This variation, without foliage slits, is often referred to by collectors as a 'first pattern' cover, but in actuality was the third type produced, often seen during the fighting on Iwo Jima. This cover is in lightly-used condition.
Colonel Richard M Condrey served two years active duty and 28 years in the USMCR in the post war years serving as Battalion Commander. This lot includes two helmets, two sets of dog tags, a USMC Rifle Marksmanship Data Book, and a 1972 USMC Shooting award in lucite all of which came from the estate of Colonel Richard M Condrey.
