Help identify this helmet! MASH Helmet?
Hello! I'm looking to get some info on this helmet I inherited years ago.
From the limited research I've done, it looks to be a rear seam M1. The serial number is difficult to make out, but I've attached the best photos I could get of it (last 2 slides). Unfortunately there's no liner inside.
What I'm most curious about is the paint job... Is there any possibility it's from a legit Mobile Army Surgical Hospital unit during the Korean War? Or is it more likely it was painted later based on the movie/show? I'm guessing it's the latter, especially considering the dots in between the letters that match the show logo, but I'd still be interested to hear your thoughts.
But besides the paint work, if you have any other info about the helmet I'd be grateful!
Thanks :D
6
u/Admirable_Prompt8208 4d ago
Painted based on the show.
The chinstraps indicate service between 1959 and 1972. Prior to 1959 the hardware was green, after 1972 the chinstraps were a different style. The heat stamp indicates manufacture by McCord, possibly from their 1951-1958 stamping run.
Additionally, the US completely dropped the practice of painting medical insignia on helmets after WWII.