Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. 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 example has dome headed rivets on the chin strap bales, indicating American Manufacture.
This rare example is completely genuine with original paint featuring the checkerboard circle insignia of the Headquarters IV Army Corps, which fought during WWI.
The top of the shell retains a good portion of the original textured brown paint, with a lovely patina. Helmet retains a complete original liner, which is marked H.E.T. 7 3/8 on the retaining strap. The oil cloth is intact and supple, and the felt crown pad is as well. The chin strap is present, but unfortunately is incomplete, missing the adjustable end. The shell is heat lot marked with the stamping on the underside of the rim ZC 60, a known US heat lot marking.
This is a fantastic chance to get an original WWI helmet, in excellent condition for being 100 years old.
History of the Headquarters IV Army Corps:
The corps was first organized on 20 June 1918, during World War I as part of the American Expeditionary Forces serving on the Western Front, as Headquarters IV Army Corps. It participated in the offensives of St. Mihiel and Lorraine, being demobilized in Weimar Republic, 11 May 1919.
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