M1917A1 New Pick Up

**MySonsDad** · 10-07-2012, 01:40 AM

We found this sitting in one of our local antique stores today, looking for a new home. I think she’s found it.

The lady that owns the booth we found this in does not deal in militaria so I’m guessing she just assumed this to be a standard M1917 as that’s how it was priced. Looks like a real nice M1917A1 Kelly Conversion to me, with a real crisp liner and chin strap. I have no idea what was put on the front, it is a decal that has been painted over and then it looks like someone tried to scratch the paint off which revealed this white decal. The inside paint looks original, the outside is a more glossy OD, I’m guessing when the helmet went through conversion but I don’t know, don’t know a great deal about these M1917A1s other than they were the transitional helmet while soldiers were waiting or the M1 to be issued. The texture is mostly good. missing in a few spots so I'm guessing this helmet must have been re-painted at least one other time besides going through conversion.

The one thing that looks odd to me however, is the batch number...looks like the first three digits are stamped different than the last two. Is this normal?

Any comments and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Russ & Son

**helmutlent** · 10-07-2012, 01:58 AM

Nice find.

**SteveR** · 10-07-2012, 02:49 AM

That is a really great find buddy.

**TNcollector** · 10-07-2012, 02:56 AM

Nice helmet, I like it! Cheers, Robert

**MySonsDad** · 10-07-2012, 04:16 AM

Thanks guys, I was tickled to find this helmet, been looking for one for awhile, they are always too crappy or too much money....we picked this one up for $75 US so I think we did OK. Would be nice if the decal was not on front but the Kelly liner and chin strap were in such good cindition that I overlooked it. Hopefully we'll be able to dig up a little info on the PFC named to the helmet.

Russ

**MD Helmets** · 10-07-2012, 04:44 AM

These are great helmets to own, and yours is no different. I'm sure you were thrilled to find this one. Very nice.

**Lidman** · 10-07-2012, 04:54 AM

Great pick up Russ

Looks a real treat!

Brad.

**Jack** · 03-20-2013, 10:53 PM

Hi. Since no one answered your question, I will. In the late '30's, we ordered the refurbishment of remaining M1917 helmets left over from WWI into M1917A1's. Same process for leftover British Brodies they had sold us in 1917. In 1941, McCord Radiator & Mfg. Co. made some 900,000 M1917A1's from scratch until ordered to desist in favor of an M1 contract. You have a converted M1917 as demonstrated by the steel heat batch stamp of ZC240. I own all 3 types (as well as 85 other helmets). Thanks. Jack