Front Seam Fixed Loop Antique Mall Find

[Ollkorrekt37]

Found this at an antique mall for a price I couldnt pass up. It's not in perfect condition, and has a huge crack as is common with these shells, but it's definitely got some character.

I believe it to be a McCord from the shape and profile, but the heat stamp is 389 with no lettering at the end, nor a separate "S" stamp. From what I've read, this is completely normal, but I wouldnt know how common this is.

 

The bales are completely fine, and have no issues with them at all. I'm absolutely nervous handling this thing, as these broke off constantly 80 years ago, and I would like to keep them on for another 80!

I also appreciate the paint preservation on the stainless steel rim, gives a good contrast from the rusty shell.

In terms of preservation, the inside has a decent amount of rust, but it does not seem to be affecting more than the surface, so I will leave this alone

I'm very happy with this purchase, I try to collect all variations of American helmets, so to have an early war shell is enough to fill in a spot in my collection I thought I'd never complete.

Apologies for the formatting, I'm on holiday and don't have a computer to make a proper post, so I'm settling for a phone.

 

 

 

 

 

[Ollkorrekt37]

I have no idea why it dumps the photos at the end of the post, I've tried to edit the post three times, but that's my fault for using a phone for this!

[Mr.Jerry]

decent looking helmet~  Stress cracks never bothered me -some of my best helmets have them!

[FN43]

Nice helmet, with nice paint remains

[dunmore1774]

looks like a nice one, just need a nice liner to go with it :)

[M24 Chaffee]

That’s a nice find! I’ve been fortunate to find a couple of nicely priced WWII helmets at antique malls myself.

 

Frank

[twthmoses]

Very nice shell, good find 👍 Indeed a McCord with 2nd style loops. I think lot says 389A. Dont be shy to handle the shell, these 2nd style loops are very solid. They did not break off easy 80 years ago, and dont do it now either.

[Bugme]

On 6/21/2022 at 2:26 PM, twthmoses said:

Very nice shell, good find 👍 Indeed a McCord with 2nd style loops. I think lot says 389A. Dont be shy to handle the shell, these 2nd style loops are very solid. They did not break off easy 80 years ago, and dont do it now either.

Second style loops?

[twthmoses]

On 6/24/2022 at 2:41 PM, Bugme said:

Second style loops?

McCord loops in the 25-188 range are first style /rounded fixed loops. Range 189-793 are 2nd style/square fixed  loops.

[Ollkorrekt37]

On 6/21/2022 at 5:26 AM, twthmoses said:

Very nice shell, good find 👍 Indeed a McCord with 2nd style loops. I think lot says 389A. Dont be shy to handle the shell, these 2nd style loops are very solid. They did not break off easy 80 years ago, and dont do it now either.

Thanks, my knowledge on earlier helmets isn't large, but is helpful information.

I grabbed a loupe that I use for coin grading, and I can see a faint "A" line, but isn't stamped very well, or could be a scratch.

[USMC_COLLECTOR]

An "A" marked on a WWII helmet? Captain America Confirmed?? 🤣

4 minutes ago, Ollkorrekt37 said:

Thanks, my knowledge on earlier helmets isn't large, but is helpful information.

I grabbed a loupe that I use for coin grading, and I can see a faint "A" line, but isn't stamped very well, or could be a scratch.

 

[Ollkorrekt37]

6 minutes ago, USMC_COLLECTOR said:

An "A" marked on a WWII helmet? Captain America Confirmed?? 🤣

 

I wish! Deal of the century!