Painted Camouflage 82nd Division M1917 Helmet

A Model 1917 combat helmet painted in a four color camouflage pattern using dark green, dark red, light blue, and ocher. The color segments are divided and separated by thin lines of black paint. On the front of the helmet is the insignia of the 82nd Division, rendered in black paint. Apparently after the helmet was painted with its camouflage pattern (and after the war had ended), the names of town and areas of service were added around the helmet, with the names of places such as “Southampton”, “Marseille”, “St. Juvin” and “Argonne” being placed on the helmet, as well as the designation “325th Inf” on the front below the divisional insignia. The exterior helmet paint is approximately 90% intact. The interior liner is present and the leather chin strap is present in part, with the chin strap being broken and the segment that was attached to the left side missing. The helmet shell has a few shallow indentations, primarily in the crown. The interior of the helmet shell bears the stamp “FS 137”.