Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a U.S. M1917 "Doughboy" helmet, which features original period OD Green paint and an original liner. The front features the painted 1919 Unit Insignia of the U.S. Army Expeditionary Forces District of Paris emblem in the center. The Insignia maintains most of the original paint and remains bold and easy to see. District of Paris items such as this one are extremely difficult to come by in today’s market and we only ever had one related item before!

On November 3, 1917, the forces charged with maintaining discipline in the Paris area were originally called the “US Troops in Paris,” initially commanded by the assistant provost marshal. In May of the following year, the designation “District of Paris” began. While the district was within the operational area of the Intermediate Section, Service of Supply, it stood as an independent organization. The district was disbanded on October 7, 1919.

The shell is maker marked with a stamping on the underside of the rim that reads ZC 266. The solid rivets and heat lot number indicate that this helmet shell was produced in the United States. The paint is in very good condition both inside and outside the helmet, with the expected wear from service. There is also a bit of ripping in the shell, indicating early U.S. production.

The liner is also in quite nice shape, with a very good oil cloth liner, and the top felt pad is still present, though worn. It is marked size 7 on the support strap in the middle, and still retains evidence of the top paper label. The chin strap is missing.

A great example of an authentic WWI "Doughboy" helmet from the U.S. Army Expeditionary Forces, District of Paris ready to display!

The district contained several American hospitals as well as headquarters for most war work organizations. Quartermaster and ordnance storehouses were also within the district. Doctors, nurses, military police, and Marines acting as military police, made up a large portion of its military population. During the war and long after, the area was forbidden to the majority of A.E.F. enlisted personnel.

On February 7, 1919, Brigadier General W. W. Harris, commanding officer of the district, sent a memo to Major General James G. Harbord, commanding general of the Service of Supply, to confirm authorization on the use of the Fleur-De-Lis as an insignia. Insignia approval occurred before February 15, 1919 and specifications were noted. For officers the insignia would be a “black broadcloth triangle with a silver-gray fleur-de-lis of silver thread in the center.” The triangle was “to measure 3¼ inches across the base and 4¼ inches on the sides.” The insignia was the same for enlisted personnel but instead of using silver thread for the actual insignia, enlisted insignia used silver/gray broadcloth.

Enlisted men could buy the insignia at Magasin de Louvre, Rue de Rivoli. This suggests enlisted men were not issued insignia like other units and had to personally purchase their insignia.

Col. John T. Knight, Chief Quartermaster, Service of Supply, did not receive the insignia approval by 14 February and would not authorize their manufacture or let civilian contracts. The District of Paris replied it had already received verbal approval from Major General Harbord, Service of Supply. It also pointed out General Order No. 7, Headquarters, Service of Supply dated 6 February 1919, also sanctioned the insignia. The chief quartermaster of the A.E.F. authorized the manufacture and supply of the insignia.12 On 6 March, Harbord recommended approval and sent it on to General Headquarters, A.E.F.

History of the M1917 Helmet
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.