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M1917A1 Kelly Helmet

Article about: First purchase of the new year, a named M1917A1. Salty and beat, just like I like em. Any ideas why the non-hook side of the chinstrap always seems to be ripped off on these? I can't read th

  1. #1
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    Default M1917A1 Kelly Helmet

    First purchase of the new year, a named M1917A1. Salty and beat, just like I like em. Any ideas why the non-hook side of the chinstrap always seems to be ripped off on these?

    M1917A1 Kelly Helmet
    M1917A1 Kelly Helmet
    M1917A1 Kelly Helmet
    M1917A1 Kelly Helmet
    M1917A1 Kelly Helmet

    I can't read the name, but under it seems to be written Fort Benning. There also seems to be a service number further up.
    I'll have a close look once she arrives.

    Thoughts on the white paint?


    Martin

  2. #2
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    Default Re: M1917A1 Kelly Helmet

    Thoughts on the white paint?
    Martin
    IDF maybe? But I've never seen USM1917A1 there.
    Piotrek

  3. #3

    Default Re: M1917A1 Kelly Helmet

    I have two helmets and both have complete chin straps. I just figure the amount of use would be te main reason for loss of that end of the strap. Much the same in German helmets. The long portion is usually the missing piece but the buckle is still there.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: M1917A1 Kelly Helmet

    Would the soldiers have camouflaged their helmets during training? Considering that as a possibility.

    Martin

  5. #5
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    Default Re: M1917A1 Kelly Helmet

    Could have been re-issued for civil defense use. Many were also used for city/town fire depts.

  6. #6

    Default Re: M1917A1 Kelly Helmet

    Quote by helmetone View Post
    I have two helmets and both have complete chin straps. I just figure the amount of use would be te main reason for loss of that end of the strap. Much the same in German helmets. The long portion is usually the missing piece but the buckle is still there.
    Same with my M1917A1... complete chinstrap.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: M1917A1 Kelly Helmet

    I have two with complete chin straps as well. That one is probably just tired from years of use and abuse. The cast buckles were also used on early M1 helmets.
    Regards,
    John

  8. #8

    Default Re: M1917A1 Kelly Helmet

    I'm guessing CD. There must of been plenty of these laying around once the M-1 finally began being issued.

    Russ

  9. #9
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    Default Re: M1917A1 Kelly Helmet

    It's arrived, HEAT Stamp 11A, and I've found the enlistment record of the soldier it's named to: Edward B Gautreaux Soldier SN 34151772; Fort Benning Georgie (I assume the gentleman was not English, and it refers to Fort Benning Georgia)


    Copy and pasted info:
    Field Title Value Meaning
    ARMY SERIAL NUMBER 34151772 34151772
    NAME GAUTREAUX#EDWARD#B###### GAUTREAUX#EDWARD#B######
    RESIDENCE: STATE #4 Undefined Code
    RESIDENCE: COUNTY 007 Undefined Code
    PLACE OF ENLISTMENT 4425 JACKSONVILLE AAF FLORIDA
    DATE OF ENLISTMENT DAY 02 02
    DATE OF ENLISTMENT MONTH 10 10
    DATE OF ENLISTMENT YEAR 41 41
    GRADE: ALPHA DESIGNATION P5T# Undefined Code
    GRADE: CODE 8 Private
    BRANCH: ALPHA DESIGNATION BI# Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
    BRANCH: CODE 00 Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
    FIELD USE AS DESIRED # #
    TERM OF ENLISTMENT 9 Three year enlistment
    LONGEVITY ### ###
    SOURCE OF ARMY PERSONNEL 0 Civil Life
    NATIVITY 44 Undefined Code
    YEAR OF BIRTH 19 19
    RACE AND CITIZENSHIP 1 White, citizen
    EDUCATION 4 4 years of high school
    CIVILIAN OCCUPATION 170 Sales clerks
    MARITAL STATUS 6 Single, without dependents
    COMPONENT OF THE ARMY 7 Selectees (Enlisted Men)
    CARD NUMBER # #
    BOX NUMBER 0761 0761
    FILM REEL NUMBER 1.278 1.278

    Link: Click!

    Can anyone tell me anything interesting about this gentleman?


    Martin

  10. #10
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    Default Re: M1917A1 Kelly Helmet

    I can tell you by the first two digits of his serial number means he came from either Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennesee, North or South Carolina. The first two numbers of serial numbers back then identified what region of the U.S. the enlisted person came from. I believe it started with 32 through 39.

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