{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwi-m1917-doughboy-helmet-shell-with-multi-colored-camouflage-paint-2","title":"Original U.S. WWI M1917 Doughboy Helmet Shell with Multi-Colored Camouflage Paint","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is an original U.S. manufactured WWI M1917 “Doughboy” helmet shell with an extensively worn, hand painted camouflage pattern in green, yellow, brown, beige, and white. The camouflage is arranged in irregular panels across the exterior, giving the helmet a distinctive appearance. The liner and chinstrap are no longer present, although the interior wool pad and its central retaining rivet remain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe camouflage paint has developed a substantial patina, with heavy wear concentrated around the dome. There is fading throughout the pattern, together with areas of exposed steel and rust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis type of multicolored panel camouflage is frequently encountered on American WWI helmets decorated as souvenirs after the Armistice. The paint on this example appears to have been applied after the war, possibly by the veteran who retained it, although no provenance accompanies the helmet to confirm when or by whom it was painted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe underside of the brim is stamped\u003cb\u003e 199 \/ ZD\u003c\/b\u003e. The letter and number combination is a manufacturing control marking associated with the helmet shell and the batch, or heat, of steel from which it was produced. The ZD marking is consistent with American M1917 helmet production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe solid rivet securing the chinstrap bale is another feature associated with U.S. manufactured M1917 helmets. British Mk I shells generally used a different style of split attachment fastener, helping to distinguish them from American production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M1917 was the first modern steel combat helmet adopted and manufactured in large numbers by the United States Army. When American forces entered WWI in 1917, the United States initially obtained approximately 400,000 British Mk I helmets while domestic production was being organized.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe American M1917 closely followed the broad brimmed British design but incorporated differences in its shell manufacture, liner components, chinstrap fittings, and identifying production marks. The helmet was intended primarily to protect the wearer from shell fragments and debris falling from above, one of the principal dangers of trench warfare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA complete M1917 liner consisted of an oilcloth band and net suspension supported within the shell, with a wool pad beneath the crown and a leather chinstrap attached to metal bales. The liner components were vulnerable to deterioration and removal, and many surviving shells are now encountered without them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M1917 remained in American service during the 1920s and 1930s. Existing shells were later refurbished with an improved liner and web chinstrap to create the M1917A1 before the entire pattern was replaced by the M1 helmet during WWII.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original American shell marking, solid chinstrap bale rivet, retained wool pad, and extensive multicolored camouflage preserve the principal collector interest of this helmet. The missing liner and chinstrap, paint loss, fading, and rust are significant condition factors, while the postwar camouflage reflects the veteran souvenir tradition associated with American WWI helmets. It would be appropriate for a collection focused on the American Expeditionary Forces, Doughboy equipment, or WWI camouflage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45465678315589,"sku":"ONSV26CNB043","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/2DBE8090-6143-441D-AEEA-0ACE3F70E72D.jpg?v=1785792003","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwi-m1917-doughboy-helmet-shell-with-multi-colored-camouflage-paint-2","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}