Questions about M1 Captain's Helmet

[cwbuff]

I have 2 questions about this fixed bail M1 Captain's helmet (pics below). 1) Does anyone know what the "K-4999" markings on the inside of the lid refer to?, and 2) How common are captain's helmets like this one that have metal bars instead of painted bars?

[Ltdave]

the K-4999 is a laundry mark (lack of a better term) that identifies the helmet to someone who's last name begins with a K. i dont remember where the numbers came from. when i was in the Air Force (considerably Long after this helmet was used) we used the last 4 of our SSN which was our S/N...

the metal bars might have been put on for parade or garrison use. you obviously realize this is an OLD M1 helmet with the fixed bails so maybe that has something to do with it. maybe also, the particular unit the Captain was in, dictated that to be the method of ID (think Patton in his "uniforms will be uniform" mentality)...

[m1ashooter]

Nice M1.

[unc81]

The 4 digits are the last 4 digits of the Captain's serial number. In WWII, this was an assigned #, not his Social Sccurity #.

[JohnMOhio]

Agree with unc81. When i was in , 59 to 63, the AF was still using that method. First letter of individuals last name and the last 4 numbers of his assigned serial number. I have to assume other branches of the military used the same method during that time. We were provided a rubber stamp and an ink pad to mark all of our military clothing and equipment for identification.

John

[cwbuff]

Thanks for the great information. Not knowing what it meant was driving me crazy for years. Here are couple more pics of the helmet and liner.
1933319334

[John Sukey]

On that note, how many of you remember your serial number? RA16516196:icon_wink:

[noslack327]

Ra16856700

[Ben Hartley]

096647
05008841

[oldtirediron]

The "K" is the first letter of the last name; the 4 numerical digits are the last 4 digits of the soldiers serial number! Simple and easy to decipher!!

[Ltdave]

On that note, how many of you remember your serial number? RA16516196:icon_wink:

3xx-xx-xxxx social security number lol...

i still have my rubber stamp and ink pad for putting laundry marks on my uniforms...

[dave]

AF16433003 (non-SS#)

[Dan Shapiro]

RA18847225 Sir!

[JimW in Ore]

I believe it to be the last for digits of the persons SERVICE NUMBER, not serial number. This is what I was told upon entering the service. Serial numbers are on weapons. FR19672477

[Art]

Nice helmet. Does the liner have a little hole center front. If it does it may be original to the helmet. Original liners with the webbing and swet band intact can be almost as valuable as the helmet!

[Mustang LTC]

First I was ER18868176. "ER" stood for Enlisted Reserve, then RA18868176 when I went "Regular Army". "US" proceeded the service number for Draftees, and NG was used by National Guard. Then came the Social Security number.

[goldwing]

14510045
303739
then S/N these were from 1953 until 1973.

Bill