Description
5/4/26- For sale is an original WWII 11th Airborne Division (“The Angels”) M1C paratrooper helmet and liner set attributed to late-war Pacific Theater service. The helmet features a McCord Radiator M1C shell with heat stamp H.S. #1190B, dating to approximately October–November 1944, paired with a mid- to late-war Westinghouse paratrooper liner. The liner is a true high-pressure WWII production example, identifiable by the embossed “W” logo in the crown and complete with original OD3 (light khaki) HBT suspension, untouched rigging, and correct airborne hardware. This configuration represents a factory-produced paratrooper liner rather than a post-war conversion, with all the expected features including A-washers, inverted “A” straps, and brass snap fasteners for chinstrap attachment.
The helmet is attributed to the 11th Airborne Division, which first saw combat in the Pacific on November 8, 1944, in the Philippines, and later conducted the final U.S. airborne combat jump of WWII on June 23, 1945. The division holds unique historical significance as the first U.S. Army unit to enter Japan prior to the formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri, where they also performed honor guard and VIP escort duties. This example reflects that transition from combat to occupation, with its original WWII-applied 11th Airborne decals and olive gloss parade-style paint, consistent with documented practices during immediate post-combat occupation duties in Japan.
Condition-wise, the liner remains solid and intact, showing honest wear from service. The suspension is tight overall, with expected age-related wear including sweat staining and a small separation at the front “A” rivet. The original thin brown leather chinstrap within the liner is present but fragile and should be handled with care. The Westinghouse cast buckles and hardware are correct, with oxidation and finish loss consistent with age and use. Notably, the black steel band adjuster is clean and does not bear any post-war anchor stamp, further supporting its WWII authenticity. The helmet also retains its original M44 netting (foliage band missing), another correct late-war feature.
Provenance traces this piece to a deceased WWII airborne collector, possibly connected to a relative who served with the 11th Airborne Division, potentially within the 176th Language Detachment (Airborne) of MIS Nisei linguists. While a painted name appears in the liner, it is not fully legible.
Unit-identified airborne helmets from WWII are exceptionally scarce, especially with correct, untouched liners and occupation-era markings. Overall in excellent condition.
