Original Item: Only One Available. This is an incredible example of a U.S. M1917 "Doughboy" helmet with original liner, that features original period "paneled" camouflage paint on the top side. This was a very popular camouflage pattern on both sides of the conflict, and features red, brown, green, blue. black and other colors.

The shell is maker marked with a stamping on the underside of the rim that reads ZC 191. The solid rivets and heat lot number indicate that this helmet shell was produced in the United States. The paint is in excellent condition both inside and outside the helmet. The liner is present, but the chin strap is broken by the right bale and the chinstrap is soft and brittle. There are still remnants of the original fabric label at the top. The oil cloth of the liner is nice, but the leather supports are also quite worn. The size stamp is still present on the chinstrap, 7 3/8.

The best feature of this helmet is definitely the original hand painted camouflage paint job, with a 93rd Infantry Division - The Red Hand Division emblem in the center of the front of the helmet. The design is the classic red hand painted in the middle. The camouflage paint is a lovely design, and the Division Insignia maintains almost all of the original red paint and remains bold and easy to see.

A great example of an authentic WWI "Doughboy" helmet from the 7th Infantry Division, with hand-painted camouflage, ready to display!

The 93rd Infantry Division was a segregated unit of the United States Army in World War I and World War II. However, in World War I only its four infantry regiments, two brigade headquarters, and a provisional division headquarters were organized, and the divisional and brigade headquarters were demobilized in May 1918. Its regiments fought primarily under French command in that war. During tough combat in France, they soon acquired from the French the nickname Blue Helmets (French: Casques Bleus), as these units were issued blue French Adrian helmets. This referred to the service of several of its units with the French Army during the Second Battle of the Marne. Consequently, its shoulder patch became a blue French helmet, to commemorate its service with the French Army during the German spring offensive.

In May 1918, French General Mariano Goybet was ordered to command the French 157th Infantry Division, which had been devastated after the Third Battle of the Aisne. On 4 July 1918, it was reconstituted by putting together the 333rd Infantry Regiment (French) with two of the U.S. 93rd's regiments—the 371st and 372nd.

General Goybet took special notice of the fact this was the first 4 July to be celebrated by his now Franco-American Division.

“It is striking demonstration of the long standing and blood-cemented friendship which binds together our two great nations. The sons of the soldiers of Lafayette greet the sons of the soldiers of George Washington who have come over to fight as in 1776, in a new and greater way of independence. The same success which followed the glorious fights for the cause of liberty is sure to crown our common effort now and bring about the final victory of right and justice over barbarity and oppression.”
— General Goybet, 157th Infantry Division

The rebuilt 157th Division participated in the Second Battle of the Marne. With violent attacks, General Goybet broke the enemy front at Monthois, capturing many prisoners and a considerable amount of materiel in the process. Afterward, he occupied the Vosges, re-capturing Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines.

General Order No. 234 (8 October 1918):

“I am proud to forward you herewith the thanks and congratulations of General Garnier-Duplessix and I want at the same time, dear friends of all ranks Americans and French, to tell you as your leader and as soldier, from the bottom of my heart how grateful, I am to you all for the glory you have acquired for our splendid 157th Division. In these nine hard days of battle you have pushed ahead for eight kilometers, fought powerful enemy organization, captured close to 600 prisoners, taken 15 guns light and heavy, 20 infantry Mortars and artillery ammunition and brought down by rifle 3 aeroplanes. The red hand of this division is now in truth a blood-reeking hand. I grappled the Boche at the throat and made him yell for mercy. Our glorious comrades who died are well avenged.”

— General Goybet, commander of the 157th Division