This is a genuine, great condition US M1917 helmet. Helmet is in untouched condition, exactly as it came to us as.
The US M1917 started out as a American made copy of the British MkI helmet. It differed only slightly, namely the methods of attaching the chinstrap bales (British MkI's used split pins, American M1917's have rivets) and the seam of the rim attached to the edge of the helmet. British MkI's have rims that overlap, US M1917's have it flush. Additionally, US made M1917 helmets have a "Z" prefix on the steel lot code, British ones do not.
Lot code on the shell is ZA181.
Finish on shell is still good, and includes a hand painted US 3rd Division insignia on the front. There is some rust and scuffs on the shell consistent with a helmet that is over 100 years old. The liner while present, has the chinstrap broken and missing and is not attached to the helmet currently.
While we do not recommend wearing it, it would look great on display. Perfect for WW1 collectors and collectors of 3rd Division related items.