*USA, WW1, 35th Division (139th Infantry Division) M1917 Brodie “Doughboy” Helmet, Made in USA*
A 1st World War United States Army 35th Division Brodie Helmet. Original retaining chin strap and liner. Helmet stamped on the inside ZE42. Marked 27 below the chin strap. Typical form with the divisions insignia of a Santa Fe Cross in a circle to each side. 139th Infantry Regiment’s insignia but with the yellow quadrants situated in the upper right hand corner, instead of lower right, this has been found on other helmets of the era.
The 35th Infantry Division (Santa Fe Division) is an infantry unit in the Army National Guard. It was activated: 5 August 1917 (National Guard Division from Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska) and sent overseas: 7 May 1918 where they formed part of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Casualties: Total 7,296, (KIA 1,018, WIA 6,278). Returned to U.S. and inactivated: April 1919.
ZE is a known heat or manufacturer lot code Stamp Marks of M1917 shells. The letter Z means it was made in America, the letter E is the contractor who made the bowl shape and the number 42 is the Lot code stamp or Batch number of steel used.
The M1917 was the US Army’s first modern combat helmet, used from 1917 through the 1920s until it was replaced by the M1917A1. The M1917A1 was an updated version that initially utilized refurbished WWI shells. The M1917 closely resembled the British Mk.I steel helmet. When the US entered World War I in 1917, they were initially issued about 400,000 British-made Mk.I helmets before domestic production began. The M1917 differed slightly in its lining and bore US manufacturing markings.
M1917 helmet liners typically featured a paper label at the crown and the dome rivet head. The liner, similar to the British version, included an oilcloth band and net configuration attached to a leather strap, which was riveted to the shell. The chinstrap was made of leather with a steel buckle.
*Condition*
This helmet has clearly seen battle action and given its age and service is in good used condition. There is a dent to the helmet that may well have saved its wearer’s life. The leather chin strap is brittle but intact. The paper label is gone. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMAIOXDEO_4348170719
