1547 SCARCE & DESIRABLE U.S. WWI EXPERIMENTAL NO. 5

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 Oct 30 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 750.00 USD
Estimated at 1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
HELMET. 1 of approx. 2,000 No. 5 U.S. experimental helmets produced by Hale & Kilburb Co. in Philadelphia, PA. The U.S. military quickly realized that the currently issued Brodie helmet was not sufficient for modern combat and turned to Dr. Bashford Dean, curator of the arms and armor at the Metropolitan Museum, to develop a new helmet. Dean produced 15 prototypes, of which the No. 5 tested most favorably during trials in France, but was ultimately rejected due to its similarity to the German Stahlhelm. This example features a textured OD finish with riveted pins for the liner. Leather liner features 2 square brass rings for the chinstrap, and exhibits faint mfg. markings in black ink along the leather band. Interior of remaining liner pad is faintly marked with the name "John P. Merry", which is handwritten in blank ink. Consignor research indicates this to be John P. Merry of Milan, OH, whom served in K Company of the 329th Infantry, 83rd Division of the A.E.F. CONDITION: helmet retains the majority of its original textured OD painted finish, showing some handling marks and scattered spots of light surface oxidation. Metal headband strap shows some flaking. Leather liner exhibits age related cracking and crazing, retaining 1 pad, with the remaining 2 pads being absent. Remaining pad shows some tearing at edges. A scarce example of a U.S. WWI No. 5 experimental helmet. (02-25144/MLW). $1,500-2,000.