Helmet experimental

[lassalle]

HELLO do you know this helmet? and is it rare?

[MilitariaOne]

Greetings,

The helmet is a Model 2 Experimental Helmet manufactured by the Ford Motor Company see another example here Original U.S. WWI 1917 Model 2 Experimental Helmet by Ford Motor Compa – International Military Antiques

Yes, they are rare, however most collectors desire to own a more complete version. As far as value, now that you have it identified you may search the internet to see values.

Cordially,

Lance

[lassalle]

thank you militaria one

[lassalle]

hello
am told model 2 manufactured in 1600 copies in 1917 ... were produced by Ford Motor Company of Detroit, Michigan. The experimental helmet was field tested during World War I. The helmet was comfortable to wear and provided satisfactory ballistic results, but it was deemed too similar to the German Model 1916 helmet and was eventually discarded.

[Aldo]

You have a posted this thread twice, I commented on the other one but here it is again.

Yes you are correct. It is listed in the "Steel Pots" reference book by Chris Arnold as the model 2. He indicates roughly 2000 helmets were produced in Philadelphia by Ford in 1918. I suppose it would be deemed rare in that case but desirability depends on the collector. There must be niche collectors looking for early experimental models such as this.

[lassalle]

[Aldo]

Very nice, I always love to see photographic documentation of the artifacts in question

[lassalle]

[aef1917]

The period photographs are all of the Model 5. The Model 2 never made it overseas for testing, and the vast majority went straight into storage.

[Aldo]

Griffin Militaria just posted a type 5 for those who are interested in comparing.

Photo credit: Griffin Militaria