This is an original WWII U.S. helmet. The steel shell exhibits a white-painted dot at the rear. I cannot confirm the connection, however the configuration is similar to that of helmets used by men attached to the 101st Airborne Division, 3rd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, of which an example is shown on page 201 of Michel De Trez's book, American Paratrooper Helmets. Below the marking is a partially legible laundry number of _4330. This inscription may offer some insight as to whether the original owner was, indeed, a member of the 101st Airborne Division. The McCord manufactured front seam fixed loop M1 helmet shell's heat stamp of 230B dates the helmet's production to July 1942. In addition to the hand-painted markings, it retains its original olive drab factory paint, cork texture, and single khaki chinstrap. The helmet has recently been paired with an original WWII Westinghouse manufactured paratrooper helmet liner. Matching the steel shell, one of the factory installed A-yokes has unfortunately been cut, however remnants are still visible beneath the blackened brass A-washers, which date the liner's production from mid-1944 to 1945. The surviving A-yoke exhibits a large cast buckle. The liner's khaki suspension is strong and intact. It comes complete with an original headband and neckband. The exterior retains its original olive drab factory paint. This helmet set would serve as an ideal research project - priced accordingly.