Interesting numbered M1917 helmet.. Soapbox Derby?

[CavalryCombatant]

Hey gang, I picked up up over the weekend and I’m not really sure what to make of it.  The paint is definitely older, I would think 1940s-1960s, but it could be a long ways before or a long ways after.  I know this is a wartime made American M1917, but that’s about it.  Any thoughts on the markings would be awesome- even they’re just guesses.
 

I’m totally happy with this being a 1950s Soapbox Derby helmet, but I figured I’d just run it by y’all quickly to see if it was some kind of cool military marking that I’m not aware of.

 

Thanks!
CC

[aef1917]

This could be almost anything, military or civilian.  Tons of these were sold as surplus between the wars and tons of them remained in military service, and the markings on many of both types have been lost to time.  Whatever this one is, it's a neat part of the history of the m1917 helmet.

[CavalryCombatant]

I sure thought it was neat!  I’m glad to hear it’s not some super rare helmet that I should be guarding with my life, as silly as it sounds.  There’s something fun about these from an “Americana” scope, and that’s what drew me to this one.  
 

Thanks for the input!