Original U.S. WWI 6th “Sight Seein’ Sixth” Division British-Made Mk. I Doughboy Helmet with Original Paint and Liner

Original Item: Only One Available. 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 Mk.I 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. This helmet has split pin rivets, indicating it is one of the early British-made helmets.

This is a great British-made Mk. I helmet worn by a member of the 6th Division, AEF. The paint is somewhat worn, and definitely shows use, but it has a great look and the colors are still easily discernible. The interior of the helmet has some of the original paint present but it is mostly worn away. The paint is complete with a six-pointed red star on the front, which is the insignia of the famous 6th Division, known as the "Red Star" or "Sight Seein' Sixth". The paint is heavily worn, and definitely shows use, but it has a great textured look.

The underside of the rim is stamped HS 99, indicating that the shell is one of the 400,000 British manufactured helmets supplied to the U.S. at their entrance into the war. The split pin rivets attaching the chin-strap bales further confirm this. "HS" is the marking used by Hadfield Ltd of Sheffield, the company that invented the "Hadfield Steel" that these helmets are made of.

The original liner is intact with the rubber donut still intact under the wool pad, rare to see. The chinstrap is retained but has broken off on one end. 

After the Armistice, the 6th continued its hikes through France and Germany to spread the fame of the six-point Red Star, adopted as the Division insignia on November 19, 1918. The bulk of the Division returned to the States in June of 1919 aboard the USS Leviathan.

A totally original helmet in great condition with genuine original paint! Ready to display!