Description
U.S. World War I M1917 “Doughboy” Brodie Helmet with Period Field-Applied Camouflage
This is an original U.S. World War I M1917 “Doughboy” helmet, a combat helmet worn by American Expeditionary Forces during the First World War. The M1917 was based on the British Brodie design and was adopted by U.S. forces to provide improved protection from shrapnel and shell fragments in trench warfare.
The helmet retains period field-applied camouflage paint, a highly desirable feature that reflects front-line use rather than factory finish. Such camouflage was typically applied by soldiers in the field to reduce glare and break up the helmet’s outline, making surviving examples with authentic wartime paint increasingly scarce. The paint shows natural wear consistent with age and use, further supporting its period application.
Fitted with a correct 2nd pattern liner, the interior reflects the later World War I configuration used by U.S. forces. The liner components remain intact and appropriate to the helmet, contributing to the overall originality of the piece.
The shell is stamped “FS”, identifying manufacture by Thomas Firth & Sons Ltd. of Sheffield, England, one of the primary British firms contracted to produce steel helmets during the war. FS-marked helmets were produced between 1916 and 1918 and were supplied to both British and American forces, making this an accurate example of the transatlantic supply system that equipped the U.S. Army in Europe.
This helmet represents an authentic, combat-used example of American World War I headgear. With its field-applied camouflage, correct liner, and identifiable wartime manufacturer, it is an excellent piece for collectors of U.S. military helmets, World War I artifacts, or trench warfare equipment.
