Original U.S. WWI Named M1917 47th Aero Squadron Doughboy Helmet Shell with Camouflage Paint
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of a U.S. M1917 "Doughboy" helmet shell, which features a beautiful camouflage paint job on the exterior. It contains swirls of a multitude of colors, and on the right front of the helmet, there are two chevrons under number 16, indicating a the enlisted rank of Corporal. The left side of the helmet has white "wings" drawn on, with 47th A.S. inside, the unit insignia of the 47th Aero Squadron of the U.S. Army. While the paint is somewhat worn, the colors are still great, and the insignia mostly intact.
The interior of the helmet shell still shows the original OD Green paint, however it has also has the name E.T. Skinner written with white paint, next to INDIANA. There is an additional SKINNER scratched into the paint. There also looks to be RICHMOND painted on, as well as another small marking that we are unable to decipher. This helmet shell really has LOTS of research potential, in addition to being a fantastic display piece.
The underside of the rim is stamped MLS 67, indicating that the shell is one of the 400,000 British manufactured helmets supplied to the U.S. at their entrance into the war. The split pin rivets attaching the chin-strap bales further confirm this. The marking indicates that the helmet was produced by Miris Steel Co Ltd. of London, who supplied steel 1916-1917, and also made helmets after 1916.
A great example of an authentic WWI "Doughboy" helmet, ready to research and display!
The 47th Aero Squadron was established 20 July 1917, and after training was part of the American Expeditionary Force from 19 March 1918 to July 1919 as a Service Squadron. After this they were demobilized, but later constituted in the Army Air Service as the 47th School Squadron on 10 June 1922. They were later consolidated with other school squadrons, and eventually disbanded in 1944.
More on the M1917 "Doughboy" 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.
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