An early, front seam 'Steel Pot' helmet manufactured by McCord Radiator with fixed chinstrap bails. The helmet retains about 60-70% of a theater-applied two-color camouflage finish over the original olive drab flocked paint. The pattern consists of irregular, rounded areas of tan paint with broad black borders with the original OD paint as the background. Large areas of ruddy brown oxidation are present both inside and out, with further flaking along the crown and various scratches and marks along the exterior. The metal rim has flaked to bright metal around the edge. The second type fiber-resin liner has short chip and crack along the back edge, with a heavily worn canvas liner (the leather comfort band is partially detached), worn exterior OD paint, and a crisp Firestone Tire Co. logo at the top of the crown. The liner strap is no longer present. WWII-era American camouflaged helmets are closely associated with paratrooper units, however other units and individuals field-modified their helmets as well, and this particular helmet is one of the latter group. This example is in about good condition, and would make a terrific example for a collection of Second World War US field gear.
