Original U.S. WWI M1917 Doughboy Helmet with Multicolor Camouflage Paint & 7 1/8 Liner
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Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a fantastic genuine Great War hand painted camouflage helmet, with a size 7 /18 original liner. The helmet features original period colored panel camouflage paint in a multitude of colors, including white, yellow, red, and more! Each color has a black border, much like the popular "panel" camouflage, though the colors are in more elaborate shapes on this example.
The paint is very well retained on the exterior, with a lovely aged patina and light staining from dirt. The interior still retains the original OD green paint quite well. The helmet also contains an original liner which is missing the chinstrap and has the correct pins for the chin strap bales. The size 7 1/8 is stamped onto the top securing strap for the liner. There are no large or significant dents/damage to the dome, the skirt is “wavy” but not bent or creased.
The underside of the rim is stamped ZC 44, indicating that the shell is a U.S. manufactured shell, and not British. The solid rivet attaching the chin-strap bale further confirm this. Additionally, the initials B.E. are hand-painted on the skirt and can be seen by the right chinstrap bale.
This is a fine example of a highly desirable “Painted Doughboy” and you wouldn’t want to miss your chance on this beautiful piece of history!
The M1917 was the US Army's first modern combat helmet, used from 1917 and during the 1920s, before being replaced by the M1917A1. The M1917A1 helmet was an updated version of the M1917 and initially used refurbished WW1 shells.
The M1917 is a near identical version of the British Mk.I steel helmet, and it is important to note that when the US joined the Great War in 1917 they were initially issued with a supply of around 400,000 British made Mk.Is, before production began state side. The M1917 differed slightly in its lining detail, and exhibited US manufacture markings.
M1917 helmet liners typically show a paper label at the crown and the dome rivet head. The liner is set up as on the British versions, with an oilcloth band and net configuration, attached to a leather strap, riveted to the shell. The chinstrap is leather with steel buckle.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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