Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a genuine, very nice WWII U.S. Army Medic Painted M1917A1 "Kelly" Helmet. The helmet is complete with the original liner, chin strap and the small leather skull pad that is often missing from these helmets is present. The shell has the original OD green paint mostly intact, including the textured "corked" exterior with a lovely red cross on a white field. This example was quite heavily coated with cork, which has now worn through in areas, giving it an attractive speckled appearance. The shell is stamped 1C in the steel under the brim and is still very visible. The brim of the helmet does not show the usual “waves” and warping.
The original leather liner is completely intact, with light wear from age and service. There is some dry rot and tearing around the edge as shown, though the liner does not show much sign of use, just age. The felt padding under the liner is still present, but has fallen out of place slightly, as it should be around the liner band. Both of the ties for the top pad are intact, but not the original top tie. The canvas chin strap is worn somewhat, but still solid.
There is a bit of staining, but no tears and the brass buckle and clip are correct and intact. A great original early WWII helmet with lots of history.
The helmet itself is named on both the liner and the dome. It reads as MARTONE 6998 for Samuel J. Martone ASN: 32176998 and he enlisted on October 15, 1941. We have not been able to locate any service information on Martone and his service as a Medic, making for a wonderful research project.
Ready for further research and display!
The M1917A1 helmet was a transitional helmet used during the early years of WWII prior to the introduction of the more common M1 Helmet. It was basically a M1917 helmet shell, as used during WWI, with an improved liner and chin strap assembly. These helmets were widely used by the US Army Troops that occupied the Pacific Islands before and the Pearl Harbor Attack. They were also used by the USMC in the early Island Campaigns of 1942 & 1943.
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