Item Description
Original Item: Only One Set Available. Now this is a fantastic duo of items. Both items in this lot, the helmet and the belt rig, are both named to the same Marine. WWI Named US Marine Corps items are amongst the hardest to find in today’s market, let alone a grouping all named to the same Marine.
This is an incredibly nice M1917 helmet that was issued to a United States Marine during the Great War. This very nice example is complete with liner, chin strap, and still has original period textured paint on the outer shell. Most notably the helmet features a P1917 EGA (Eagle Globe Anchor) cap badge, which was punch applied and not drilled as you so often encounter.
The shell is maker marked with a stamping on the underside of the rim that reads ZC179. This maker marking indicates that this is a U.S. produced shell, which is further indicated by the solid rivets used to retain the chin strap bales. “ZC” is the stamp that was used by the Edward G. Budd Manufacturing Co, now known as the Budd Company.
The Budd Company was a 20th-century metal fabricator, a major supplier of body components to the automobile industry, and a manufacturer of stainless steel passenger rail cars, airframes, missile and space vehicles, and various defense products like helmets.
The outer shell still has 95% or more of the original textured finish, with the interior finish a bit less due to rust and staining. There is some dirt and rust on the shell, which we left in place to preserve the patina.
The liner is correct to the helmet and is fully attached. The chin strap is still marked,
indicating a size 7 1/8. The chinstrap is still completely intact but rather delicate. The name “Colombo” can be found written in black on the underside of the helmet lip.
Accompanying this fine helmet is a WWI USMC M1910 Cartridge Belt, .canteen set, First Aid Pouch and Dressing Set all named to the same Marine, “L. Colombo”. We have not been able to locate service information on this Marine, making this a spectacular research opportunity. All of the pouches are still in wonderful condition with much of their original finish present on the snaps and visible ink stamps. There is no significant damage to any item and they present themselves quite well.
A lovely grouping ready for further research and display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
