Original U.S. WWII Ford Island Military Police M1917A1 Kelly Helmet with Textured Paint & Liner
In stock
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a genuine and very nice WWII U.S. Army M1917A1 “Kelly” Helmet, complete with its original liner, canvas chin strap, and the small leather skull pad—an accessory often missing from surviving examples. The steel shell retains most of its original OD green paint, including the correct textured “corked” exterior finish. The shell is stamped 21B, indicating early production.
The helmet is painted on the side with the insignia of the 2nd Cavalry Division, and on the front with “FORD ISLAND / MP.” While the paint displays significant age and wear consistent with long-term use, we have been unable to find documented evidence of the 2nd Cavalry Division serving in a Military Police role on Ford Island. As such, we cannot definitively confirm the authenticity or origin of the applied insignia. Notably, the paint does not fluoresce under blacklight inspection, leaving its exact provenance uncertain. Buyers should evaluate this aspect accordingly.
The original leather liner remains intact but shows heavy service wear consistent with age, including tearing and pronounced crazing of the leather. The felt padding beneath the liner is present but has become detached from the shell over time. Both ties for the top pad, as well as the original top tie, are intact.
The canvas chin strap exhibits moderate wear and staining but remains solid and functional, with no tears. The correct brass buckle and clip are present and intact.
Overall, this is an excellent early WWII M1917A1 helmet with honest wear and notable research potential—ideal for collectors who appreciate originality and are comfortable with unanswered historical questions.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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