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 much of the original period OD Green paint on the outer shell. More importantly, the front still has a genuine bronze WWI USMC EGA Badge!
The shell is maker marked with a stamping on the underside of the rim that reads 217 / ZD. 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. There is some missing under the EGA, with a bit of red paint visible, so it is possible that there was a unit marking on the front of the helmet at one time. The interior paint is in a bit worse condition, with the area around the rim missing a lot, now showing oxidized steel.
The liner is present, though it does show wear from service and the years. The oil cloth of the liner definitely has some deterioration, as does the underlying netting. The top pad is completely missing, with only the base layer still present. There is a size marking of 7 1/4 on the top strap. The chin strap is broken, and probably missing more than 50% of its length, having deteriorated quite a bit.
This is an wonderful RARE example of a genuine service worn 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.
