M1 FS/FB Helmet with Flocking added, possible USAAF??

[Johan Willaert]

Looking for more info on this front seam, fix bail M1 helmet.

Looks like a standard M1 but has obviously been repainted inside and out. Outside was painted in a red oxide primer covered by olive drab. The outside surface was covered in flocking very similar to the USAAF M3 and M5 FLAK Helmets.
The red oxide primer seems to bleed through the top layer in places. Lot number remains indistinguishable.

This helmet came from a US based auction house (Manions???) in the 1980-90s...

Did the USAAF cover standard M1 Helmets with flocking before adapting the M3 model? Any and all info appreciated!
Thanks!