Description

Helmet: World War I Army M-1917 helmet. It is a steel, rough anti-glare pale olive drab helmet. It is approximately 4 1/2" deep. The head hole is 7 7/8" wide and 9 1/4" long. The brim is 1 1/2" wide in the front and back and 1 7/8" wide on the sides with a 1/4" rim. The top inside of the crown has a light brown felt pad. The suspension is a ring of light brown felt with 1 1/2" wide brown leather over the bottom of it. The leather has vertical slits. Inserted in every other slit is a tubular piece of rubber. This acted as cushioning and kept the helmet away from the head. The inside of the suspension is lined with black oil cloth. The center of the suspension has cotton twine netting. The netting can be tied at different sizes. The suspension is attached by a leather strap (which is also part of the chin strap) to a rivet at the top center of the helmet. Under the washer is a paper label. The label is torn around the washer. In black print is "TIGHTEN CORD/and A(ju)st to/fit the Head." Stamped on the leather strap by the washer is the size "6 7/8". The chin strap is 3/4" wide brown leather. The chin strap has a buckle to adjust the size. The chin strap is inserted through the hinged bale (metal rectangular loop) on the sides of the helmet and attaches by the rivet to the top center of the helmet. Imprinted on the inside back brim is "ES 166" (steel quality and shipment lot). Scratched in the front below the brim is "A.W.L". Condition - The helmet has a large dent in the front center and right front side and a small one of the back left side. There are numerous scratches. There are rusting areas. The suspension is dusty. The leather is worn.

Used by Albert Longcor of Red Wing. He was a Sergeant with the Tank Corps, AEF, France. He served with Co. L of Red Wing which left on August 27, 1917. According to his obituary, he served in the Army from April 20, 1917 to May 20, 1919.