{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwi-m1917-34th-sandstorm-division-camouflage-painted-doughboy-helmet-with-liner-chinstrap-excellent-1","title":"Original U.S. WWI M1917 34th Sandstorm Division Camouflage-Painted Doughboy Helmet with Liner \u0026 Chinstrap - Excellent","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of the WWI British MkI Brodie helmet, which was also the same type that was issued to American forces in the beginning of the US involvement during The Great War. This example is 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 75% of its painted finish, together with its original heavily-worn oilcloth liner, wool crown pad, and leather chinstrap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exterior is divided into irregular camouflage panels painted in red, yellow, green, brown, orange, and gray. The unusual range of colors gives the helmet a particularly striking appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shell is maker-marked with a stamping on the underside of the rim that reads \u003cb\u003eBS 17\u003c\/b\u003e, indicating that the shell is one of the 400,000 British manufactured helmets supplied to the U.S. at their entrance into the war. The marking indicates that the helmet was produced using steel from \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eW. Beardmore \u0026amp; Co Ltd of Glasgow\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, batch \u003cb\u003e17\u003c\/b\u003e. The paint is in fair condition both inside and outside the helmet, but the interior shows very heavy wear to the liner, with much of the oilcloth now torn away. The remaining material is very weak. There is some moth damage to the wool pad. The chin strap is intact and functional, but looks to have been repaired at one point with a new piece of leather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecorated 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe clear 34th Division insignia, unusually broad color palette, partial oilcloth liner, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45598599479365,"sku":"ONSV26CNB053","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/CC5C3243-FF98-4DA5-BB84-EFA48A51C1E4.jpg?v=1787596992","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwi-m1917-34th-sandstorm-division-camouflage-painted-doughboy-helmet-with-liner-chinstrap-excellent-1","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}