So, TAKE FIVE!
Walter asks,
“Big Red, the Army solved the liner chin strap problem by making it removable, right?”
Good call Walter,
From late December 1941 into early January 1942, The CQMD, Chicago Quartermaster Depot, held meetings with industry representatives from all the companies that were involved in suppling component parts for the M-1 Liner. All aspects of the liner’s assembly were discussed including two specific issues the Army believed to be deficiencies with the chin strap assembly, adjustability and replaceability. The companies involved were asked to review the issues and put their best potential solutions forward in the form of samples that would be returned to the Army for review.
A reinvented design was compiled from the provided samples, which became the first easily adjustable and replaceable chin strap. This new wedge buckle chin strap assembly began to roll out with liners in late January 1942 and were made standard issue by June of the same year.
The adjustment issues were addressed by replacing the bar buckles with one of wedge shape that had a cam lever that would friction lock against the leather strap.
The leather strap, now cut from full grain calf skin colored Army russet brown, was increased in width to a half inch and the length was reduced to twenty inches.
The strap still laced through the attachment loops and buckle as it had in the previous design however, the shoelace type eyelets were replaced by speedy rivets and a buckle eyelet.
The ability to replace a chin strap was accomplished with a garter stud and loop design. The design allowed for the chin strap to be securely attached to the liner body but easy to remove and replace. The stud was attached to the liner body in the same location where the permanent attachment had been previously. The outside was capped for a clean finish with the stud on the inside.
The triangular loop was placed over the stud and pulled until the small looped end snapped into position around the base of the stud.
Note: Although the wedge buckle chin strap assembly was standardized and introduced as part of the new cotton web design in early 1942, Hawley, General Fiber, St. Clair, Inland, Westinghouse and Mine Safety Appliance, liner bodies would not be adapted to accept this type of chin strap until their respective stocks of the permanent design were exhausted. All remaining manufacturers of plastic liner bodies were installed with garter studs to attach the new chin straps for the entirety of their contracts. This allows for some fun liner variation collecting.
Big Red Says!
FIVE'S OVER - MOVE OUT!
when are you going to print a book with all this info. thanks
Without a doubt, the most valuable information ever gleaned from the ’net. You da man, Big Red!
That strap was meant as a chin strap? I thought it was simply to help secure the liner to the steel pot. Was I wrong?
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