I was lost but now I am found - M1917A1 Kelly

[MAP]

This was my first helmet as a child if I remember correctly. I went off to college and 4 years later it was gone. Searched my parents house for years but couldn't find it. Assumed one of my Nephews played with it and lost it. Well a few years ago, I gave up hope and bought a replacement.

A few weeks ago my Mom passed so we just began the huge task of cleaning out 54 years a junk in the attic and basement.

Tucked away in the attic one of my sisters found my helmet.

Amazing it held up so well. The attic gets blazing hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. Leather is still soft and the condition is just like when I got it 45 years ago.

Not sure who the maker H.V. is. From what I know, there is no list available. This one has the very rough sand, where my newer one has a smother sand oversprayed with paint.

Also found a 1943 dated webbed 1911 magazine pouch and a US Navy aviators med kit. I don't think however the contents are original. I probably used it for camping as a kid.

In addition to the above, I found all my old GI Joes (I really abused them....) and all my old models (pretty beat up as well)

[Gwar]

That is quite a feeling of hundreds of memories in an instant.. Glad ya found it !

[CBH]

My condolences for your loss and congratulation on rediscovered history.

[Rakkasan187]

MAP,

Very nice helmet and I think I found your maker...

As you may know the Brodie helmet was a British design and since the US did not have a combat helmet at the time of WW1, they relied on the design from the British...with some modifications to the inner pads as well as chin strap attachments..

The US first received a shipment of helmet shells in order to supply the Army and later developed the M1917A1 with better ballistic protection and other minor modifications..

The Heat stamp I believe is British and reads HV 670..

H= The manufacturer which was W. Hutton and Sons
V= Vickers LTD which was the steel supplier
670 is the Batch number for the steel..

Here is a link to some information regarding the British Markings.. Your HV contract/heat stamp information is one pictured as an example..


British and Commonwealth WW1 and WW2 Brodie Helmets and Maker Stamps - Helmets and Headgear - Treasure Bunker Forum

[MAP]

Doh.... thanks Smitty. I know I should have known to consider it a British made helmet but I wasn't thinking...as mentioned I have 7 of these. And I easily should have remembered the format of the markings were British

[AZPhil]

So sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom.
You have my heart felt condolences.

So your Mom put in the attic while you where at college?
You didn't ask her where it was???

Its a great sentimental journey to the days of your youth!!
I'm glad you found it.

Semper Fi
Phil

[BodhiEtheridge]

Great Helmets and gear MAP, always good to rediscover things you lost especially when they kept in the same condition as when they were lost. I’m saddened to hear about the loss of your mother, I wish you all the best.


Thanks from me too Smitty, you just helped me Identify my own helmet something I couldn’t quite do because the markings were faint but now I definitely see a HV and a batch No. however the Batch Number is completely unreadable.

Best regards,
Bodhi E.

[Rakkasan187]

Sharing knowledge and information... 1 Post at a time...

Best regards all..

Stay safe

Smitty

[SHEMP H]

Sorry to hear about your Mom, please accept my condolences.I had a similar occurence happen to me,when I was ten years old we moved into the house I grew up in and my Dad was cleaning out a closet in a upstairs bedroom and found what I believe was a black woolen Panzer overseas cap with the eagle and cockade.Well about two years later the dog chewed about a three inch square hole in the lining. To make this brief I forgot about this hat and found out about thirty years ago my Mom threw it out.



Bill

[Gunny Hartmann]

Very sorry about the loss of your mother, RIP.