This is an original M1917A1 helmet that was produced by the McCord Radiator & Manufacturing Co. prior to the United States' involvement in the war. On November 27, 1940 McCord received a contract to manufacture the M1917A1 helmet. With an incredibly low heat stamp of just 1B, this example is one of the earliest helmets off the assembly line. The helmet's exterior features its original olive drab paint and cork texture. The interior retains its original leather liner and khaki chinstrap. The chinstrap exhibits the early cast-brass buckle and box stitching, while the liner retains its original leather drawstring and crown pad. The interior is ID'd in the USN/USMC style to a Lieutenant Samuel P. Shuler. Unfortunately, officer records are quite sparse, so we have not had much luck in identifying Lt. Shuler. There remains a substantial research opportunity for its new owner. To assist in that research, we originally sourced this helmet in Wilmington, North Carolina. The M1917A1 was seen atop the heads of Marines fighting on Wake Island, Bataan, and even during the early days of Guadalcanal. If you've ever wanted an M1917A1, you would be hard-pressed to find a more desirable example.