This is an original WWI U.S. manufactured M1917 helmet that was converted to an M1917A1 by the U.S. government during a reconditioning process that first began in 1936, prior to McCord's new production line of 1941 manufactured M1917A1 helmets. The helmet features original olive drab paint and textured finish. Its interior brim is stamped ZC235, denoting production by Edward G. Budd Manufacturing Co. Its original leather liner and OD#3 (khaki) chinstrap are still intact. The chinstrap exhibits the early cast brass buckle and box stitching, while the liner retains its original cotton drawstring and leather crown pad. The leather is inscribed "A.91" and "A-121"; unfortunately the significance of the markings is unknown to us. The M1917A1 was seen atop the heads of Marines fighting on Wake Island, Bataan, and even during the early days of Guadalcanal.