This is a US made M1917 steel helmet used by a member of Company “F”, 308^th Infantry, 77^th Infantry Division.

Nearly identical to the British army helmet, the M1917 and later the M1917A1 were used up to the Second World War, being replaced by the M1 helmet, around 1941. Surplus helmets remained in service however with the US Civil Defense.

On the inside, this helmet retains only the felt pad in the crown, the remainder of the liner and chin strap are gone.

The exterior, however, is very fine. Painted in a camouflaged scheme with shades of red, white, and green. Color segments are separated by black lines. On the front is a 77^th Infantry Division insignia with Statue of Liberty. Surrounding that reads “Co. F. / 308 Inf. / 77^th Div.” in yellow.

Generally, the 308^th Infantry is famously known as the “Lost Battalion” from the fighting in the Argonne. Unfortunately, Company “F” is not known to have been included in that portion of the regiment that was cut-off and “Lost”.  This “Lost Battalion” consisted of companies A, B, C, E, G, and H of the 308^th with some troops from other regiments, all commanded by Major Whittlesey.

A fine example of a “painted” WW1 helmet.  [jet] [ph:L]

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