Helmet Liner

Unidentified - 83rd Infantry Division

The liner is a correct "high pressure" WWII manufactured M-1 helmet liner, WWII issue and stamped with a F under mold number 28, for the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company Manufactured in Akron, Ohio. Firestone Tire and Rubber Company started M-1 helmet liner delivery to the US Army in September 1942. They produced approximately 7,500,000 M-1 helmet liners and discontinued production around August 17 1945 when the war ended.

This true US WWII M-1 helmet liner be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WWII features include OD Green #3 cotton herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in poor condition. This HBT suspension is held tightly within the M-1 helmet liner by rivets and a series of triangular "A" washers. The three upper suspension bands are joined together with the correct OD green string. The liner sweatband appears to be a later dark green example. Unfortunately the leather of the sweatband and liner chin strap are completely missing.

Tis liner has, in my opinion, post WWII decals for the 83rd Infantry Division. On the edge of the liner is a brown/beige stripe. What's the significance of this marking I have not been able to find out to this day.

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