Original U.S. WWI 33rd Infantry “Golden Cross” Division M1917 Doughboy Helmet
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic, genuine American made Great War hand painted 33rd Infantry Division helmet, which features a lovely painted “golden cross” insignia on the front. The reasons behind the design of the 33rd Infantry Shoulder Sleeve Insignia is a rather interesting one. A couple of the explanations revolve around one of the Infantry regiments that made up the original 33rd Division being deployed years earlier to fight the Moros in the Philippine Insurrection. According to an entry on the 33rd Infantry Division Association Website, the Soldiers began marking its property with yellow crosses to prevent thievery because yellow is taboo to Muslims, and revived the practice when called into service for World War I. Another source claims it is the cross, not the color, that was taboo.
The paint is somewhat worn, and definitely shows use, but it has a great look and the colors are still mostly discernible. The underside of the rim is partially stamped ZD indicating it was produced in the United States, and can be seen on the underside of the skirt towards the front. The solid rivets on the chin strap bales is another method of identifying the helmet as being American made.
The paint is somewhat worn, and definitely shows use, but it has a great look and the colors are still mostly discernible. The interior of the helmet has little of the original paint present.
The liner and chinstrap are present but not without fault. The leather chinstrap assembly dried out long ago, became too brittle and fell apart into multiple piece, leaving the liner completely detached. Though the liner and chinstrap are present, they are in pieces and fall free from the shell. With all of the pieces present however, one could make an attempt at restoration using the original components.
A wonderful totally original helmet shell with genuine original paint! Ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
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