March 15-17, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/16/2022
Designed in June 1917 and based on the helmets of classical Greece and Italy in the 15th Century, the Model 2 helmet aimed to provide more protection to the sides and back of the head, unlike its British and French counterparts. The helmet was designed by Dr. Bashford Dean, curator of arms and armor at the Metropolitan Museum, and approximately 2,000 examples were produced by the Ford Motor Company towards the end of the Great War. The helmets were found to be comfortable for the wearer and provided satisfactory ballistic results, however, they were deemed too similar to the German Model 1916 helmet and were discarded. Despite its short service, some Model 2 helmets experienced limited field testing. This example is very nicely preserved and features a thick sawdust textured paint. The helmet is missing the 3 leather padded liner tabs but retains its original chinstrap. CONDITION: The helmet retains most of its original paint and exhibits scattered blemishes. The leather components of the sweatband remain supple. Chinstrap is clean with rust on the metal tacks. Overall very good. JLD
Item Dimensions: 16" X 16"