Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
M1917 Helmet, c. 1917-1918 |
Object Name |
Helmet, Military |
Description |
M1917 Helmet, c. 1917-1918. Round metal helmet, brown in color. At top of helmet head is a starburst engraving at the center. A bolt goes through the top of the helmet to connect the head adjustment contraption. The rounded helmet flattens at the edges with a folded over seam of metal. The head adjustment contraption is black leather on the outer edges and tan leather on the inside. The black leather is connected to tan cloth net webbing to adjust size of head adjustment contraption for a snug fit on the wearer's head. The center adjustable net webbing is also used to adjust size. A leather chin strap in attached to the inner sides of the helmet by a riveted metal ring on either side. The leather chin strap has a metal buckle to adjust strap. |
Date |
c. 1917-1918 |
Creator |
Unknown |
Role |
Manufacturer |
Catalog Number |
1996.226 |
Dimensions |
H-4.75 W-11.25 D-12.25 inches |
Collection |
3D - Clothing |
Inscription Text |
"LAKE 163702 (Written on the leather chin strap); [Partial Text] (Written on leather chin strap); "TIGHTEN CORD / AND ADJUST NET TO / FIT THE HEAD." (Printed on paper tag on inside of helmet); "LAKE 1637052" (Handwritten on paper tag on inside of helmet); "7" (Stamped into leather band in helmet head); "[Partial Text] Z D / 76" (Engraved in underside of helmet edge) |
Provenance |
Used during World War I by donor's father-in-law. |
Notes |
"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..." [http://thebrodiehelmet.weebly.com/m1917.html 8/12/2015] "When the U.S. Army entered World War I, it did not have a helmet as a part of its uniform. Helmets were part of ancient and medieval warfare, but with the advent of firearms they gradually fell out of favor as warfare had less close-in fighting. By the late 19th century, only some light cavalry units wore them. That changed suddenly in the first year of the Great War. Artillery shells had been "improved" and now sprayed shrapnel, and trench warfare meant that the head was most often exposed..." [http://www.memorialhall.mass.edu/collection/itempage.jsp?itemid=16011&img=2&level=advanced&transcription=0 8/12/2015] |
Search Terms |
Helmet Military Military Uniforms War World War 1 World War I World War One |
Subjects |
Helmets Military uniforms War World War I |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Edward Battistini |