M1917 painting

[denfly]

I have a M1917 helmet from WW1 era. It has an unusual snake like pattern painted on top. I can think of only the 369th Infantry Regiment using the snake on thier motto but they used Adrian helmets during the war. Perhaps painted after the war for parades? Anyone has any idea if another unit used a snake on thier motto or DUI or have seen this pattern before? Thanks. The helmet is stamped ZA54 so it's american.

[Tinhat]

I can't help with identification, but I have just come across a picture in one of my books that could show a similar helmet.

The link is to the same picture on the Imperial War Museum site, it's not really clear, but the gunner looks to have a similar size line painted on his helmet.
AMERICAN FIRST WORLD WAR OFFICIAL EXCHANGE COLLECTION | Imperial War Museums

[gel65]

Could you post close ups of the painting not really sure what it is supposed to be

[Tinhat]

The one in the book is a bit clearer but it's the same photo, I'll scan it later and see if it comes out better.

[denfly]

I hope these help. It is the left, right, back and front of the helmet. It appears to be a white snake with black diamonds.

[gel65]

Now I see what are the red letters hard to make out from the picture

[denfly]

Looks like something a child wrote with a crayon.

[denfly]

Wrong year and country.

[gel65]

Not sure if the painting is for a unit but a nice helmet overall

[denfly]

Yes it is quite interesting. Just hoping someone knew about that paint scheme.