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.