Item:
ONCM21007

Original WWI U.S. Marine Corps M1917 Doughboy Helmet Shell with EGA Badge, Liner & Chinstrap

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a rare example of an original U.S. Marine Corps M1917 "Doughboy" helmet shell, and is one of only a few that we had had, as they are very hard to come by. This very nice example is complete with some of the original period OD Green paint on the outer shell. More importantly, the front still has a genuine blacked bronze WWI USMC EGA Badge!

The shell is maker marked with a stamping on the underside of the rim that reads ZB 53. 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. The outer shell of this helmet does show service wear and staining, however most of the original textured paint is still present. The interior paint is well retained as well, with the usual areas of oxidation and dirt. The liner and chin strap are both present, definitely a rarity.

The oil cloth of the liner definitely has some deterioration, as does the underlying netting and leather The top pad is also somewhat worn, though it still has remnants of the original fabric label at the top, and a size marking of 6 7/8 on the top strap. The liner has also mostly detached from the support strap, so it is held in place by some twine around the bales. The chin strap is mostly intact, but a bit dried out, with surface cracking. The connecting loop on one end has partly torn through the top strap just by the bale.

This is an wonderful RARE example of a genuine USMC Great War helmet, all original and ready to display!

History of the M1917 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 MkI 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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