UBB.threads Forums General Militaria United States Militaria Help with M-1 helmet crack

Hi! I bought an M-1 helmet -- fixed bail, front seam -- and I thought I'd got a pretty good deal, too, at $179. The finish is original, although the soldier did some 'trench art' -- his name -- 'Leo' on the front, and a bulls-eye on the rear -- so, it is olive drab (mostly) with the cork clearly visible. I don't think the chinstrap is the correct one, but I know someone who can replace it for $21. I also read, on another forum, that you can use Scotchbrite green pads and WD-40 to remove most of the rust (and I'm hoping, the rusty parts of the trench art) and restore the helmet to a near-new-looking appearance.

I will stencil on the helmet the Fighting 69th's (U.S. infantry division, WW II) insignia, plus my father's rank beneath the insignia of Master Sergeant. (I have already purchased the stencils).

My problem: The helmet is cracked close to the front. It is about 1 1/2 inches long, and not terribly bad, but one of my helmet guys has told me that with the crack he thinks I got 'taken' on the price of $179 (which included shipping).

The helmet came with a liner and suspensory system, which both appear to be original (and my helmet expert hasn't told me any differently). I believe the liner is magnesium; it is some type of metal.

So, any ideas as to how I might mend the crack?

And, did I really get 'taken?'

Thank you.

Stress cracks are somewhat common, and not the death of a worth while helmet. $179 is kind of high, where did you buy it? I have several swivel bails in the shop with 80-90% finish at between $150-180 with decent liners. Fixed bails do go for more, but when they are complete with straps.

Can you post any pics of the "trench art" ?

Let me see if I can figure out how to post photos. Okay, I think I know what to do. Here are photos of the helmet. It is sort of difficult to read the "LEO" on the front of the helmet as the letters are positioned off to the right side a bit.

Hmmm looks more like "Kid art" than "trench art".

Well, I guess attaching the 'art' noun to the designs is something of a stretch. But that is how it came to me. That is why I didn't think it would be any great loss to try to rid the helmet of the 'art' and then paint the insignia on it. I hate the designs; I have seen other trench art that is pretty nifty-looking; this isn't.