did they ever make WWII helmet liners without a front grommet hole?

[BOLO]

http://cgi.ebay.com/M-1-M1-STEEL-HELMET-LI...5604409QQihZ011

 

is this an original WWII helmet liner ? it does not have the front grommet hole as found on WWII era helmet liners?

[Costa]

yes they did. if i am right they discontinued it around 1954-55. some one quote me if i am wrong. the liner in the picture is a micarta westinghouse dated 1957 with no hole.

[Bugme]

I've got an all original Westinghouse liner with no hole also, yet it has the OD3(khaki) suspension. I've often wondered if it was a mistake that the device hole never got punched or if the khaki suspension in the liner was some NOS that was used on a post war liner made after the device hole was dropped. I know that this is going to be totally unhelpful information but, I remember reading something about this somewhere but, I can't recall where.

[sgtdorango]

I would say it was just a mistake that the hole wasnt punched, after Korea they dropped the front hole and the webbing was a darker green cotton material, not the kakhi HBT material, I will try to post some comparison pics, they are unmistakably different, WWII light kakhi HBT, Korea darker green HBT, after that no front hole and dark green cotton ......mike

[svt40]

WWII on the left Post WWII on the right/

 

[Mr-X]

I'm just putting it out there,

But.... couldn't someone just have relined a 50's made liner with repro webbing and sweatband etc?

[wildcat123]

I have been trying to remember where I saw a liner like that and I finally remembered. I think Chris Armold shows one on his Steel Pots DVD. He describes it as a production error. I believe it might have been an MSA as well. As many liners as they made, I'm sure some made it through. If I remember correctly, they dropped the grommet hole in 1958.

[BOLO]

I have been trying to remember where I saw a liner like that and I finally remembered. I think Chris Armold shows one on his Steel Pots DVD. He describes it as a production error. I believe it might have been an MSA as well. As many liners as they made, I'm sure some made it through. If I remember correctly, they dropped the grommet hole in 1958.

 

then that would make this an uncommon varient or rare helmet liner, especially in such nice condition

[gecko NZ]

will think of it this way, the liners have to get out to the troops, thats final, and your either run out of eyelets, the eyelet machine for doing them breaks down, or the hole is never punched. liners have still got to be shipped and its not like not having a front eyelet holes is going to endanger a GI, and in 60 odd years who knows maybe people will discuss your little production mistake lol

[Plant#4]

In producing an object for the Goverment, on contract, not as a sales contract, all items are inspected to goverment standards. Helmet liners are not a " buy " item like staplers. In-house inspectors and goverment inspectors. If it aint right it aint exceptable. Manufacturing "mistakes" do not get issued. Most liklely this is a variation and not an error. The maker cannot say " well, they dont really need this " He is paid to make what they want, no extra and no less. Variations exist becuase of loose requirments of what was required, shade of dye or paint, ect. but not missing / extra holes and grommets.

just a few thoughts, Dave

[wildcat123]

I understand what you're saying, but from my experience I know mistakes are going to make it through. I work in everyone's favorite highly regulated industry (pharmaceuticals) and we wouldn't have a complaints department if mistakes weren't made. Who knows if this item was issued or not. Perhaps it was sold as a toy or used in a training environment. I do know that MSA didn't make liners after 1945 (correct me if I'm wrong), so I believe that this has to be a production error from the WWII era.

[mavrick56]

I was wondering if there has been any updated info on this subject.

I just came across a fixed bail M-1 with a first pattern frog skin cover, a little battle worn but original. The previous owner said all the components have been together since day one. But the liner is a Westinghouse with green (WWII) webbing and no grommet hole. The leather strap is stiff and is stamped DOT. No sweatband.

Any new "production error" vs. "post war" information available?

[Cap Camouflage Pattern I]

Any pictures?

[mavrick56]

Should have them shortly.

[mavrick56]

[mavrick56]

[Justin]

That's a late 50s liner.

[mavrick56]

Thanks. Appreciate the help.

[Moonlight Gecko]

Here is an upainted MSA liner with no grommet hole

[Moonlight Gecko]

inside

[Moonlight Gecko]

closer picture of the webbing