Super cool 3rd army m1917 helmet with unidentified maker mark

[trenchfoot]

Hello again! I have this ww1 helmet with painted 3rd army insignia on the side. The previous owner wore this helmet when he worked at the 3rd army headquarters. I have his records. I don't doubt that the paint is real, but I have never seen a maker mark like this one. It doesn't even have a lot number, just a manufacturer mark. Any ideas?

[trenchfoot]

On a side note, since this guy was in headquarters, do you think it was possible back then to get a custom fitted helmet or something like that?? I'm thinking that might be the case because there is no lot number

[aef1917]

Nice helmet.

 

It's not a private purchase example, just a very early one manufactured before the markings were standardized.

[trenchfoot]

Wow. Also, in all my years collecting, I've never seen a helmet painted with the 3rd army insignia. Does anyone know if there are other helmets with the 3rd army on it?

[aef1917]

3rd Army helmets are perhaps slightly rarer than 1st Army, but not nearly as rare as 2nd Army. I've got a few.

[trenchfoot]

What are they worth?? I think I may have over paid for mine

[Cap Camouflage Pattern I]

I think there is a 3rd army one at the 45th infantry division museum.