Item Description
Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a fantastic genuine Great War hand painted camouflage helmet, with a complete original liner and torn chinstrap. The helmet features original period colored panel camouflage paint in a multitude of colors, including red, black, and various shades of blue and green. Definitely an interesting mix of colors!
The paint is a bit worn, and definitely shows some use, but it has a great look and the colors are still easily discernible. The interior of the helmet has most of the the original paint, with a bit of corrosion around the rim. The liner is in good condition, with intact oilcloth and netting, as well as an intact felt top pad and remnants of the original label. It has however torn almost completely away from the top securing strap, and the leather is delicate. The chin strap is quite cracked, and has broken completely through on one side.
The underside of the rim is stamped ZJ 280, indicating that the shell is a U.S. manufactured shell, and not British. The solid rivet attaching the chin-strap bale further confirm this.
A wonderful totally original helmet with genuine original paint! Ready to display!
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.
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