Helmets
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British Mark I helmet
This helmet was one of many helmets purchased by U.S. Government agents for the first US troops of the AEF. Most British helmets had a sand finish to prevent light from reflecting on a smooth helmet. The British helmet can be distinguished from American made helmets by the presence of the rubber ring in the crown of the liner and the split rivets used to secure the chinstrap loops to the shell. The American manufactured version of this helmet is known as the M1917 steel helmet.
Detail of the "Brodie's Helmet" stamp and patent numbers found under the oil cloth liner.
American manufactured M1917 steel helmet
The American helmet is nearly identical to the British Mark I helmet. The difference between the two helmets is the rivet securing the chinstrap loop to the helmet , the lack of the "doughnut" in the liner, and the properties of the steel used to manufacture the M1917 helmet shell. Also the M1917 helmet had a heavier sawdust texture than the British Mark I.
Camouflage Helmet
After the Armistice many doughboys personalized their helmets with various painted designs. This included division insignia, patriotic motifs, and camouflage. This helmet is an example of a camouflage scheme based on German helmet camouflage patterns. Carl Panak Collection
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