HELMET

Object/Artifact

-

St. Joseph Museums

Name/Title

HELMET

Entry/Object ID

1960.21.30

Description

WW1/DOUGHBOY'S STEEL HELMET

Collection

WORLD WAR I

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Helmet

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Headwear

Nomenclature Class

Clothing

Nomenclature Category

Category 03: Personal Objects

Parts

Count

1

Material

STEEL

Condition

Overall Condition

Good

Research Notes

Notes

This is likely a U.S. Model 1917 helmet, commonly called the "Doughboy" helmet. Upon entering World War I in 1917, the United States lacked a modern steel combat helmet. The military chose to model their new helmets after the British Mark I "Brodie," as they could be manufactured quickly and cheaply. The shallow, wide-brimmed design offered protection against shrapnel and debris falling from above, a common occurrence in the trenches, but left the wearer vulnerable on the sides and back of the head. Millions of these helmets were produced in a short time by a variety of American manufacturers. They were typically painted with an olive-drab mixture that included sawdust to reduce glare.