Tag Archives: International Hat Company

Evolution of the American Pressed Fiber Helmet

Part of the author's collection of Pressed Fiber Helmets

Part of the author’s collection of Pressed Fiber Helmets

Sadly little has been written on the American “Pressed Fiber Helmet,” which actually was in service longer than other other helmet with the American military. While we’ve previously noted that this pattern helmet was produced by two companies – Hawley Products and International Hat Company – little of its history and variations have been chronicled.

While a definitive timeline is still very much a point of conjecture and speculation, this author has attempted to create a reasonable timeline of that follows the evolution of the helmets.

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USMC Pressed Fiber Helmet – Training Helmet and More

A color photo showing US Marines training while wearing the pressed fiber sun helmet

A color photo showing US Marines training while wearing the pressed fiber sun helmet

When the helmet of the United States Marine Corp in World War II is discussed it is likely the M1 steel helmet with the famous herringbone twill cover. But in fact this wasn’t the only helmet used by the USMC. Continue reading