M-1 Liner Suspension System “Neck Band Support”

March 7, 2021

Big Red here with a question from "Mort Walker"...

So, TAKE FIVE!

Mort asks,

"Big Red, I am extremely confused by liner terminology. When I am on a helmet forum there seems to be a dozen names to refer to everything. What is a Neck Strap?"

Great hearing from you Mort,

The “Neck Strap” was one of two fabric assemblies that formed the M-1 liner’s suspension system and was attached directly to the liner body. The first component was the Suspension Cradle Assembly and the second was the “Neck Strap” which was formally referred to as the “Neck Band Support”.

The Neck Band Support was a length of fabric webbing secured to the liner body with three washer and rivet assemblies in the rear of the liner right below the cradle.

Two inches to either side of the center attachment were positioned a pair of female snap fasteners.

This section of webbing was originally cut to a length that allowed the ends to be folded back over itself for added resistance against tearing or fraying mimicking the Riddell football helmet design it originated from.

Motivated by a directive to reduce the overall weight of the helmet assembly and the need to conserve webbing led to the modification of this strap. By the latter part of 1942 this section of webbing would be cut to a shorter length by eliminating the folds at the ends leaving the pinked edges exposed.

Collectors Note:

Liner suspension assemblies fabricated from white or silver Rayon were all contracted for and manufactured prior to the elimination of the folded ends. This means that regardless of the type of liner or when these assemblies were installed, the neck band support strap will have folded ends.