USMC Marine US WW2 " FOREST GREEN " PAINTED M - 1917A1 " KELLY " STEEL COMBAT HELMET
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:200746 |
The US Army modified the familiar "dishpan" helmet of WW1 in 1936. The new M-1917A1 helmet had the same steel "tin hat" shell, but featured a leather liner and crown pad, and was far more sturdy and comfortable than the original model. The M-1917A1 was the standard US helmet during the dark early days of WW2, worn by the "Battlin' Bastards of Bataan", and the defiant Marine defenders of Wake Island. This USMC Marine US WW2 "FOREST GREEN" PAINTED M-1917A1 "KELLY" STEEL COMBAT HELMET... is in good condition, with some denting to the front left crown, some surface chipping and patina around the exterior and the inside, some drying and scuffing around the top edge of the liner, some whitening and darkening to that liner, some edge cracking to the middle left front liner lappet, moderate fraying to the sewn end of the right chinstrap, a small edge nick in the middle of that right chinstrap, moderate patina to and a small edge tear around the right chinstrap adjustment end, some light fraying to the sewn end of the left chinstrap, moderate soiling to both chinstraps, some scattered denting around the edge rim, and with some overall age wear evident (ALL pictured). Otherwise, the helmet is in fine shape, with no other damage to the tough steel construction, which retains approximately 75% of the period painted USMC "forest green" finish around the exterior and the underside of the brim. Most interestingly, it boasts the original brown leather lappet liner with crown pad, sports the original sewn khaki web chinstraps with a fully functional cast darkened brass "hook and point" closure buckle, and is stamped with the heat lot number "FKS 24" at the underside of the back brim, denoting it's a WW1 shell reconfigured as a M-1917A1 in the late 1930s. A fine example of a very rare, original USMC Marine US WW2 "FOREST GREEN" PAINTED M-1917A1 "KELLY" STEEL COMBAT HELMET. With apologies to our valued international clients, we must restrict bidding to US bidders only. Now celebrating over 15 years on eBay. Bid with confidence and please view our other great military and aviation classics, including a SIGNED, NUMBERED EASTMAN "TYPE A-2 FLIGHT JACKET" US AAF WW2 REFERENCE BOOK in MINT, unread, new in the wrapper condition, boasting simple yet elegant hardcovers, and sporting over 200 pages full of A-2 history.Abramsantiques appreciates your positive feedback and full five star ratings. We strive to make every transaction an exceptional one, and your complete satisfaction is our utmost concern. If for any reason you cannot leave fully positive feedback, contact us first and we will make it right.
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