Pre-WWII U.S. Camouflaged M1917A1 Helmet (WWI-Era Shell)
This is an original WWI U.S. manufactured M1917 helmet that was converted to an M1917A1 by the United States government during a reconditioning process that first began in 1936, prior to McCord's new production line of 1941 manufactured M1917A1 helmets. The helmet's exterior features an original (and very unique) white-splotch camouflage pattern on a black base. The helmet's interior paint has obscured much of the heat stamp, however the still-visible "ZC" stamping, denotes U.S. WWI production by the Columbian Enameling and Stamping Company. It retains its original leather liner and OD#3 (khaki) chinstrap. The chinstrap exhibits the early cast brass buckle and box stitching. The M1917A1 was seen atop the heads of Marines fighting on Wake Island, Bataan, and even during the early days of Guadalcanal.