M1917/ MkI-what's the difference?

[vonmoen]

Hello folks,

I'm looking for some help in figuring out the difference between the US M1917 and the British MKI helmets. I've seen quite a few shells out there that claim to be US, but how can you be sure? Is there info on heat code stamps that were used by US manufacturers? And what about the chinstrap lug rivets, split vs. solid? Let's face it, I'm confused!

[jcaputo]

Ron,
There are a number of ways to tell the difference between British and American made WWI shells. The simplest way is to look at the chinstrap bails. British Mark I shells have brass chinstrap bails which are attached to the shell with iron brads. The American made P17 has iron or steel chinstrap bails which are riveted into place. Visit my website to see an example: alexanderandsonsrestorations.com/Allied-helmets-for-sale/British%20mark%20I.html
There are a few other differences too. Early British shells made at the end of 1915 have no rim, but these are really rare. The British shells are made from a much lighter gauge of Hatfield steel. If you hold an American shell in one hand and a British shell in the other you will see what I mean, the British shell is much lighter. American and British shells made during WWI all have heating lot numbers stamped into the brim of the shell. They also should have two sets of letters. One letter should be the firm which provided the steel ingot, and then there should be a slash after which the second set of letters should be the company which stamped the helmet. Not always in that order. An example is: H/V which is W. Hutton and Sons, with steel provided by Vickers. American shells made after WWI don’t have company information stamped into the brim, instead they have a serial number. I hope this info helped. Feel free to e-mail me if you have further questions.

[sapper44]

I just picked up a shell that I am restoring and after stripping the rust and funky paint off I found a lot number on the shell rim, ZC223, any idea what this means?
Thanks;
Christian

[aefstraggler]

The ZC223 indicates that the helmet is of American manufacture - but I've never found documentation
that would positively allow the specific manufacturer or date of manufacture to be determined from the
code.

The two largest contracts appear to have been to the Edward G. Budd Manufacturing Co. with over
1,100,000 helmets produced - and the Sparks, Withington Co. with just over 470,000 produced.

In general American helmets have codes that start with ZC, ZF, ZJ, etc.

[sapper44]

Thanks
Christian

[rsm2ndbtnlf]

Ron,

As Jake has mentioned, there are certain differences between the American M1917, and the British Mk1 Brodie.

The main differences are, Chinstrap Bales, Manufactures stamping, and the Helmet liner securing rivit.

Minor difference = Surface finish.

Seph

[aefstraggler]

And also a slightly different mix in the alloy used - the Americans using a slightly different
percentage of manganese.