Original U.S. WWI M1917 34th Sandstorm Division Camouflage-Painted Doughboy Helmet with Liner & Chinstrap - Excellent
In stock
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Original Item. Only One Available. This is an outstanding original U.S. WWI Model 1917 Doughboy helmet decorated with an elaborate multicolor panel camouflage pattern and the insignia of the 34th Division, known during WWI as the “Sandstorm Division.” The helmet retains approximately 85% of its painted finish, together with its original oilcloth liner, felt crown pad, and complete leather chinstrap.
The exterior is divided into irregular camouflage panels painted in red, blue, green, white, orange, yellow, gray, and brown. The unusual range of colors gives the helmet a particularly striking appearance and distinguishes it from the more commonly encountered brown, green, and ochre camouflage schemes.
The back of the helmet is painted with four chevrons, one red, two gold, and one silver. This likely denotes his discharge, 12-17 months overseas, and 6-11 months of stateside service. A very interesting design choice. The paint on the helmet is retained at roughly 85%, with some minor loss around the dome but nothing too serious at all. This was absolutely painted for parade wear once the soldier arrived back home.
The shell is maker-marked with a stamping on the underside of the rim that reads ZA 32. The solid rivets and heat lot number indicate that this helmet shell was produced in the United States. The paint is in very good condition both inside and outside the helmet. The liner is also in quite nice shape, with a very good oil cloth liner, and intact felt top pad. The chin strap is intact and functional, with some crazing and minor cracking, but it is still solid overall.
The painted 34th Division insignia looks fantastic. The design is a black Mexican "Olla" Water Jug design with a red steer skull inside. The insignia was designed by Marvin Cone, and evoked the desert training grounds of Camp Cody, New Mexico.
The 34th Division was assembled from National Guard troops primarily drawn from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. It trained at Camp Cody before elements were sent overseas during the final months of WWI.
Decorated helmets became highly personal souvenirs for American servicemen returning from Europe. Some were painted overseas, aboard transport ships, or after reaching the United States for parades, reunions, and commemorative displays. The extensive camouflage, divisional insignia, and personalized rear chevrons are consistent with a helmet prepared as a veteran’s service souvenir.
The clear 34th Division insignia, unusually broad color palette, complete oilcloth liner, intact felt pad, and functional chinstrap make this an exceptional example of American WWI painted helmet art. It will fit well as a centerpiece in any collection focused around painted helmets of the First World War.
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