And another question.  What is the best way to clean/ preserve it.  It came out of the woodwork and, as one can see, still has 80 years of stuff baked into it, and some rust residue on the mostly intact external paint

Just one more in case it helps dating it....

Good points, and equally, I don't want to "give away" the tells of a good one vs a fake one, as fakers watch this forum too. But from what I can see, I do like it.  

Thank you, Mr. Jerry!  What "give-away" photo should I post?  Don't want to post every angle to avoid pics being "lifted"...  

Here's a Roosevelt's SS patch made for Fury.. It's not attached to the cap, but just laying on it    

I am a longtime helmet collectors, (still not an expert) but this seems like a nice early M1C original liner (more pics would be needed, as the fakers have gotten quite good and the mod is pretty simple).   As for the loose bits, I think the parts all show up, but the parts can be quite expensive when found individually. I would think a leather chin cup is what you would want on there.   I would look for an early M1C para helmet (or M2 if you have deep pockets) to go with it.  

Could you please help me date this Inland liner and share your thoughts/ estimates on completing it:   - Approximate date? - Is this an "early" Inland liner? - How difficult would it be to find the parts necessary to complete it to its original, period authentic configuration? - What would be the estimated cost of those parts?  I guess I'd be looking for the leather and web chin (no leather cup) straps. the sweat band, and the nape strap.... - What regular M1 shell would go best with it an "S" or an "M"?   And would you recommend completing it or just leaving it as is?   Thank You! Al 

Is this Costa?

Not really a threat to the hobby at all. These items have always been around. Knowledge of clothing styles and construction of the surrounding eras used to be pretty much part of WWII collecting. From the dye staining, stitching style, patch quality, construction methods, jacket style, zipper age, leather repairs, on and on. This was an easy one. We have seen the knowledge base narrow considerably in the past few years - Instagram, FB, this forum, etc. Newer collectors want quick and simple answers. Nuance is sometimes... almost... offensive. In a world of excessive, free information, the actual truth is becoming difficult for many to see. New info is not always best info. If one learns through context, simple comparative analysis, and even classic written data, 99% of the silliness and guessing is taken care of. As some might say. "Read a book!" Lol. JMO as usual, Dave