Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an very nice example of a U.S. M1917 "Doughboy" helmet, which features original period OD Green paint and an original liner. The front is features a lovely period Unit Insignia, which is a red circle with a black "tree" inside it, and a tan or gold acorn inside that. We unfortunately have not been able to identify this unit marking, as there were many units that no longer exist, and insignia can change over time.
The paint is in very good condition both inside and outside the helmet, with the expected wear from service. The liner is also in quite nice shape, with a very good oil cloth liner, and the top felt pad is still present, though a bit worn. The leather surround of the liner is unfortunately deteriorated, and the chin strap is completely missing. The liner support strap is still partially complete, which keeps the liner from falling out of the helmet.
The underside of the rim is stamped H. V. / 504, 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 Hutton & Sons Ltd "H" using steel from Vickers Ltd "V", batch 504. Both of these companies were based in the steel-making city of Sheffield.
A great example of an authentic WWI "Doughboy" helmet, ready to research and display!
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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