A superb and very rare USM1 paratrooper combat helmet of the famous « 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion ». This helmet was found in the mid 2000s in the village of Cherain, near Gouvy, Ardennes, Belgium. The helmet remains untouched and in as found condition. The helmet is a front seam fixed bale with a lot number of « 752C ». The exterior features a period and highly desirable « Palm Tree » on each side. As visible one the pictures, the unit marking have at least been painted twice, this helmet has certainly been worn during the « Operation Dragoon » in South of France before been repainted for the Battle of the Bulge. To prevent reflections from the stainless steel rim that was causing camouflage problems, the soldier covered it with black tape. The helmet retains its factory web chin straps that have the correct mid-war type iron alloy hardware. The helmet also comes complete with its original liner. The liner retains over 95% of its factory finish. Matching wear and oxidation present around the rim of the liner to correspond to the steel helmet's interior. The liner is complete and the suspension system is in overall very good condition. The leather sweatband is present as well including the leather chinstrap. The soldier tied a piece of red synthetic rope to the sweatband, this could be a good luck charm. An exceptional and highly desirable US helmet to a legendary unir that became famous during the Second World War that never comes on the public market.

https://551pib.us/history/