Original U.S. WWI 6th “Sight Seein’ Sixth” Division M1917 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 genuine American made Great War hand painted 6th Division helmet, which features a lovely painted red star insignia on the front. The helmet retains its original liner which is in good condition, with the chinstrap entirely absent.

This fine example has most of the original olive drab textured paint, 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. There is some heavy scuffing and staining to the paint as shown.

The underside of the rim is stamped ZC 40 indicating it was produced in the United States, and can be seen on the underside of the skirt towards the back. The solid rivets on the chin strap bales is another method of identifying the helmet as being American made.

The helmet features a beautiful “Red Star” on the front. 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 fair but rough condition with genuine original paint! Ready to display!