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. This helmet has split pin rivets, indicating it is one of the early British-made helmets.
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 fine example has been restored with new paint by a master helmet restoration expert. It is a fantastic camouflage design featuring the insignia of the famous 6th Infantry Division, known as the "Red Star" or "Sight Seein' Sixth". While the exterior camouflage paint is replicated, the interior paint is original, as is the RED STAR insignia. It also has a mostly complete liner with rubber gasket and partial chin strap. The liner has been degraded somewhat, and is dirty, but it is has original period brown paint on the underside. The helmet shell unfortunately does not have any visible markings due to corrosion and the thick paint.
This is an excellent example of a genuine USGI Great War helmet from an legendary division of the US army.
History of the 6th Infantry Division during WWI:
The 6th Infantry Division was activated in November 1917, and began training state-side in anticipation of deployment. It was comprised of several different infantry brigades, Machine gun Battalions, and Field Artillery regiments.
The division went overseas in June 1918, and saw 43 days of combat. Casualties totalled 386 (KIA: 38; WIA: 348).
The 6th Division saw combat in the Geradmer sector, Vosges, France, 3 September – 18 October 1918, and during the Meuse-Argonne offensive 1–11 November 1918. Separately the 11th Field Artillery Battalion became engaged earlier in the Meuse-Argonne offensive and fought from 19 October to the Armistice.
The division returned to U.S. in June 1919. Deactivated: 30 September 1921 at Camp Grant, Illinois.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
