decal on m1 helmet question

hello, i got this m1 helmet recently and i was wondering if anyone knew what the decal on the front of this helmet it, i have been researching it and cant seem to find any details about it. i have learned a lot about the helmet so far, it has a stainless steal rim and the rims seam is at the front, it has the move able chinstrap loops.

there is a serial number on it, it says "380", i cant find much on the helmets serial numbers and i have no clue why the serial is such a low number :-s

but if anyone knows what the decal is on this helmet please let me know, as you can see below its really faded.

View attachment 16893

thanks for the help

 

The outline of the decal looks like a sergeant's rank insignia. It appears to be three "up" chevrons and two "down" lines. This would make it a Sergeant First Class. I don't know much about helmets as weaponry is my specialty, but the "380" might not be a serial number. It might be a lot number or manufacturer's code.

 

My first thought was also Sgt 1st Class insignia. I have no idea as to the "380". Do you have a photo of it? It might help to see it in context.

 

its kinda hard to see, but here is the 380. its the only thing written on the inside. its located in the front of the helmet

thanks for your help

View attachment 16905

 

I did some light research, and it looks like "380" is the manufacturer's heat lot number. Two companies made M1 helmets: Schlueter and McCord. If this is a McCord helmet, that lot number would put the manufacturer date around late 1942 or early 1943 (I found a "287" lot number, and the date was given as summer of 1943, so this is an educated guess). Apparently the book "Helmets of the ETO" has extensive charts and info that could pinpoint the date and lineage of your helmet. I don't have this book, but someone else here might. You could pick one up via amazon as well -- they seem to be going for around 30 bucks.

 

Good job, Alan.

 

Thanks. Its a vague answer, but its better than nothing.

 

It does give the OP some information to follow up with. You can't do all the work for him.

 

I believe that to be a Sergeant Firat Class insignia as well. As for the lot number, it was probably 1380 instead of 380; the One being worn off. An m1 with an early lot number like that would have fixed bales. Off the top of my head, i think 1380 is a late 1944 shell. There is also a possibility of the helmet being a Schlueter produced shell. I know the lot numbers are different for those shells, so it might be Schlueter produced. Look for an 'S' below the stamp.