US M1917
The US manufactured M1917 (Doughboy) helmet is a direct copy of the British MkI, there are subtle differences in the construction that can be seen at first glance and one that would need a little more technical study. To view and identify the difference is quite easy, firstly the chinstrap bale fixings are secured to the helmet shell by solid machine rivets (see pic for comparison below) whereas the British MkI used steel split rivets, the rim was spot welded on the US M1917 and the ends of the rims were butted together as opposed to being overlapped as done on the British MkI. On a more technical aspect the US M1917 was made with 13% Manganese and the British MkI was made with 12% thus giving the US model a slight ballistic advantage.
From Autumn 1917 until the cease of hostilities in 1918 the US had manufactured over 2,700,000 helmets.
This particular example is in excellent condition, retains a complete liner and chinstrap, the stamp to the inside brim reads "U C 305" and the ink stamp to the underside of the liner is "A E Little Co. Boston"
To find these helmets in such good condition is getting difficult, they are not far off 100 years old.
From Autumn 1917 until the cease of hostilities in 1918 the US had manufactured over 2,700,000 helmets.
This particular example is in excellent condition, retains a complete liner and chinstrap, the stamp to the inside brim reads "U C 305" and the ink stamp to the underside of the liner is "A E Little Co. Boston"
To find these helmets in such good condition is getting difficult, they are not far off 100 years old.
Above: British manufactured shell with "split rivet" left, and US manufactured shell with "solid rivet" right.
Above: British "overlaped" rim left, and US "butted" rim right.
