ticketsMember | Make a donation

Model T-21 E2 Helmet Prototype

Armorer Leonard Heinrich German
1945
Not on view
Contoured nearly hemispherical helmet bowl forged from a single piece of aluminum, the bottom edge flaring out to form a slight peak in the front and a brim around the circumference. There are two small rectangular metal loops riveted to either side of the bowl for the attachment of a chin strap (no chin strap present). The bowl is hand hammered and has not been polished smooth, leaving hammer marks overall, but more prominently on the interior. The exterior surface has light abrasions and scratches. Written in black ink or paint on the rear of the interior: Helmet T21 E2/ .092 Aluminum NON BALLISTIC/ Wt. 1 lb 7 oz/ The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY/ May 23, 1945.

The following description of the T21 helmet model comes from an officially restricted publication, Helmets and Body Armor, Office of the Chief of Ordnance (Washington, D.C., n.d. [1945?]), p. 34: "Designed to reduce the size of helmets [i.e. the Model M1] for ground force use, without any sacrifice of the protective area, the shape of the T21 helmet is based on anthropometric studies of the contour of the human head. This helmet is the smallest size that can be provided with a liner. It is shaped so that at all points on the body of the helmet there is a curvature in both directions, thus making a stronger, more protective helmet than is otherwise possible. Status: Development models. Weight…2 lb., 2 oz. (without liner)."

It should be noted that in addition to making this T21 prototype in 1945, in 1940 or 1941 Leonard Heinrich also made an original prototype model designated TS-2, the next stage of which, the TS-3, was adopted as the classic M1 helmet used by US forces throughout WWII (see Chris Armold, Steel Pots: The History of America's Steel Combat Helmets, San Jose, 1997, especially pp. 80–83). The T21 was intended as a refinement of the M1. According to Armold (p. 156), several examples of the T21 were made [in ballistic steel] and tested, but the helmet did not make it into production.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Model T-21 E2 Helmet Prototype
  • Armorer: Leonard Heinrich (American (born Germany) Munich 1900–1966 Clarksville, New Jersey)
  • Armorer: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Armor Workshop
  • Date: 1945
  • Geography: New York, New York
  • Culture: American, New York
  • Medium: Aluminum
  • Dimensions: H. 7 in. (17.8 cm); W. 9 7/16 in. (24 cm); D. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 8.4 oz. (691.7 g)
  • Classification: Helmets
  • Credit Line: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1945; Museum Accession, 2016
  • Object Number: 2016.628
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
T-31 Prototype Abdomen, Groin, and Thigh Armor, Leonard Heinrich German, Steel, textile, metal alloy, American, New York
T-31 Prototype Abdomen, Groin, and Thigh Armor
Multiple artists/makers
1944
T-29 Prototype Right Greave (Shin and Calf Armor), Leonard Heinrich German, Steel, textile, American, New York
T-29 Prototype Right Greave (Shin and Calf Armor)
Multiple artists/makers
1944
T-29 Prototype Right Thigh and Knee Defense ( Poleyn), Leonard Heinrich German, Steel, textile, metal alloy, American, New York
T-29 Prototype Right Thigh and Knee Defense ( Poleyn)
Multiple artists/makers
1944
Burgonet, Leonard Heinrich , in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Armor Workshop German, Steel, leather, German, Augsburg
Burgonet
Leonard Heinrich
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Armor Workshop
ca. 1540–50; cheekpieces replaced, 1932
Bashford Dean Presentation Cabinet, Leonard Heinrich German, Wood, iron, American, New York
Bashford Dean Presentation Cabinet
Leonard Heinrich
Harvey Murton
1927

Related Content

Timeline of Art History

Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.