Any us ww1 military experts here?

[joe n]

Cross posted with another forum (desperate for help ).
Way out of my league here. I have this US helmet from what I believe is WW1. This is not my area of expertise whatsoever, got this in a trade. Does anyone know what exactly I have here? It shows some very interesting rough camo and appropriate age. I cannot identify the decal either. Thanks for looking, I appreciate your help

 

[student of history]

I'm no expert but it looks like you've got a M1917A1 helmet. It's a transitional lid that was used between the wars and even into WWII up until it was replaced by the M1 helmet in 1941. I'm unsure what that decal represents but if you post these pics on the US Militaria forums those gentlemen will have no problem identifying what you've got.

 

[JP]

The nut on top holding the liner, is not original (home-made garage repair)

 

[j-man]

US Civil Defense Auxiliary Firefighter. Here's one for sale:

http://www.collectorscrave.com/index.php?a=2&b=850

Here are some of the other applicable insignia in patch form:

http://WarDogMilitaria.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=55&sort=20a&page=4

A google image search for Civil Defense Auxiliary Fireman will give you a variety of patches, helmets, etc.

Nice piece of militaria!

 

[joe n]

Thank you Gentlemen! JP and j-man, you guys know your business!
Any idea what it would have the rough camo'd finish on it? I would expect it from a combat helmet, but not a civil defence one.

 

[JP]

Probably, WW1 surplus helmet fitted with the later liner. Rough finish was obtained by mixing sand or sawdust in the paint.