Item:
ONSV21WS90

Original WWII U.S. Navy M1917A1 Kelly Helmet made from Canadian Brodie Shell dated 1942

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting WWII U.S. Navy issued M1917A1 "Kelly" Helmet, painted blue on the exterior. Unlike most we see, this was not made using a U.S. Shell, but using a WWII Production Canadian made shell. The helmet is complete with the original liner, chin strap and the small leather skull pad that is often missing from these helmets.

The stamping on the underside of the rim reads:

C.L. / C.   1942

  77

This marking indicates manufacture by Canadian Motor Lamp Co. of Windsor, who produced Brodie helmet shells from 1940 - 1943.

The original leather liner is mostly intact, with the expected wear from age and service. There is some dry rot and tearing around the edge as shown, though the liner does not show much sign of use, just age. There is no felt padding under the leather on this liner, and the original leather ties for the top pad and liner are missing, replaced with a single piece of string. The canvas chin strap is worn somewhat, but still solid. There is a bit of staining, but no tears and the brass buckle and clip are correct and intact.

U.S. Navy examples of these helmets are very hard to find. Most Kelly helmets we see were either used for training, or by U.S. Marines in the Pacific Theater. Using a WWII Canadian shell indicates that these continued to be produced even after the M1 helmet was officially put into production.

A great original early WWII helmet with lots of history. Ready to display!

The M1917A1 helmet was a transitional helmet used during the early years of WWII prior to the introduction of the more common M1 Helmet. It was basically a M1917 helmet shell, as used during WWI, with and improved liner and chin strap assembly. These helmets were widely used by the US Army Troops that occupied the Pacific Islands before and the Pearl Harbor Attack. They were also used by the USMC in the early Island Campaigns of 1942 & 1943.

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