{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwi-usmc-m1917-doughboy-helmet-with-p1917-eagle-globe-and-anchor-punched-shell-application-intact-liner-and-chinstrap-marked-zc-179","title":"Original U.S. WWI USMC M1917 Doughboy Helmet with P1917 Eagle, Globe and Anchor Punched Shell Application, Intact Liner and Chinstrap, Marked ZC 179","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally attractive U.S. WWI M1917 Doughboy helmet configured for United States Marine Corps use and retaining its period correct \u003cstrong\u003eP1917 Eagle, Globe and Anchor\u003c\/strong\u003e badge. The insignia is mounted through punched opening in the front of the shell, an application method particularly favored by collectors of WWI Marine Corps helmets. The helmet is complete with its intact original liner and chinstrap and retains 95 percent or more of its original textured exterior finish.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe P1917 Eagle, Globe and Anchor is the defining feature of this helmet. Examination of the reverse confirms the correct construction for a P1917 pattern badge. Its broad spread wing eagle, substantial rounded globe, detailed Western Hemisphere, fouled anchor, and one piece struck brass construction are characteristic of the enlisted Marine Corps insignia used during the WWI period. Early Eagle, Globe and Anchor ornaments displayed considerable variation between manufacturers, and the heavy, somewhat compact eagle found on WWI examples is sometimes referred to by collectors as the “fat turkey” pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe insignia was installed through openings punched into the steel shell rather than through cleanly drilled holes. This less mechanically precise installation is consistent with the field style application encountered on desirable WWI Marine Corps helmets. Hand tools would have been more readily available than a drill when a Marine or unit applied the cap ornament to a helmet. The punched shell application, together with the correct P1917 reverse construction, gives this example strong period character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shell is stamped on the underside of the rim: \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZC 179\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ZC marking identifies this as a U.S. manufactured M1917 shell and is generally attributed to the \u003cstrong\u003eColumbian Enameling \u0026amp; Stamping Company of Terre Haute, Indiana\u003c\/strong\u003e. The number 179 is the steel heat lot or production batch number rather than a model designation. American manufacture is further supported by the solid rivets used to secure the chinstrap bales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exterior retains 95 percent or more of its original textured finish, giving the helmet a remarkably strong and well preserved wartime appearance. The interior retains somewhat less finish due to areas of rust and staining. Some accumulated dirt and oxidation remain on the shell and have intentionally been left undisturbed to preserve the established patina rather than risk damaging the original finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet remains complete with its original liner and chinstrap. The intact liner is an especially important surviving feature, as many Marine Corps attributed M1917 helmets are now encountered as incomplete shells or with replaced interior components. The presence of the liner, chinstrap, original textured paint, identifiable American shell marking, and correctly mounted P1917 insignia allows the helmet to retain the appearance and construction of a complete WWI example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M1917 was the first modern steel combat helmet manufactured in large numbers for the United States military. Its design was closely based on the British Mark I helmet, approximately 400,000 of which were initially obtained to equip the American Expeditionary Forces while American production was being established. U.S. manufactured M1917 helmets retained the broad brimmed profile of the British design but incorporated differences in shell steel, rivets, chinstrap fittings, and liner construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Eagle, Globe and Anchor had served as the distinctive emblem of the Marine Corps for decades before the United States entered WWI. The eagle represented the United States, the globe reflected the Corps’ worldwide expeditionary service, and the fouled anchor symbolized its naval heritage and close relationship with the United States Navy. During WWI, enlisted cap ornaments were generally struck from brass in one piece and displayed noticeably more variation than later standardized insignia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmerican Marines fought in some of the most demanding actions faced by the American Expeditionary Forces in France. Their service at Belleau Wood, Soissons, Blanc Mont, and the Meuse Argonne helped establish the Marine Corps’ enduring Great War reputation. Helmets bearing period Eagle, Globe and Anchor insignia have consequently become some of the most recognizable and sought after pieces of American WWI combat headgear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is a highly desirable Marine Corps M1917 with the features collectors look for in a convincing and visually impressive example: a correct P1917 Eagle, Globe and Anchor, punched shell application, 95 percent or more original textured exterior finish, intact original liner and chinstrap, and an identifiable ZC 179 American production marking. It would display exceptionally well in an advanced United States Marine Corps, American Expeditionary Forces, WWI helmet, or Doughboy equipment collection.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45416738324549,"sku":"ONSV26EMC013","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/32A33BAD-307E-4796-8CBE-2946250677B3.jpg?v=1785359353","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwi-usmc-m1917-doughboy-helmet-with-p1917-eagle-globe-and-anchor-punched-shell-application-intact-liner-and-chinstrap-marked-zc-179","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}