Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of a U.S. M1917 "Doughboy" helmet shell, which features original period textured OD Green paint and a painted Unit Insignia. The shell is maker marked with a stamping on the underside of the rim that reads ZE 59. The solid rivets and heat lot number indicate that this helmet shell was produced in the United States.
The paint is in very good condition both inside and outside the helmet, with light wear and some oxidation. There are a few dents on the top of the shell, but the paint is still mostly intact. The liner is unfortunately almost completely missing, with only the felt top pad still present. Surprisingly, the chin strap is still intact, though it is torn. We're not sure how the chinstrap survived while the liner didn't, but that is exactly what happened.
The best feature of this helmet is definitely the original hand painted Engineer Corps emblem on the front of the helmet. The Division Insignia maintains most of the original paint and is somewhat dirty from years of service. It is the red "Castle" emblem of the Army Engineers on a black square, with a white circle around it. We unfortunately have not been able to identify this specific engineering corps unit.
A great example of an authentic WWI "Doughboy" helmet shell from the Engineer corps, 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 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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