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 a heat stamp of 12C (and only reaching 24_ before efforts were switched over to manufacture the M1 helmet in June 1941), this particular example lands right in the middle of M1917A1 production. The helmet's exterior features its original olive drab paint and cork texture. The interior retains its original leather liner and OD#3 (khaki) chinstrap. The chinstrap exhibits the early cast-brass buckle and box stitching, while the liner retains its original leather drawstring and crown pad. Stenciled on the liner leather is "A 65 54" - its format is similar to that of laundry numbers, however we are not certain of its significance. 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.