U.S. M1 Fixed-Bale helmet with early INLAND liner

Original WWII U.S. M1 Fixed-Bale helmet with early Inland liner. This helmet features a front-seam, fixed-bale steel shell with original chinstraps intact. The interior of the shell is stamped 362C. The helmet is paired with an early Inland-manufactured liner, in excellent condition. The liner is correctly marked and fitted with aluminum A-washers, indicating early production. The cotton suspension system remains intact and includes the early twin snap fasteners. A rayon headband and neckband are installed, as correct for the period. The exterior retains its original smooth dark green paint. Production is estimated to fall 1942 to early 1943. The liner is fitted with a detachable leather chinstrap with green-coated steel wedge buckle, which replaced the earlier fixed chinstrap with slide buckle during the war. Notably, a portion of the exterior shell exhibits blackened discoloration. This type of wear is often attributed to field use, where soldiers sometimes heated rations using their helmets. A fine example of an original WWII U.S. M1 helmet, combining an early fixed-bale shell with a correct Inland liner.