|
WORLD WAR ONE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS HELMET –
VERY NICE CLASSIC PERIOD CAMOUFLAGE PAINTED – IDENTIFIED
TO A MARINE WHO ENLISTED IN 1918 AT THE AGE OF 16:
This is a very special
offering of a US Model 1917 Helmet which was not only
painted during the period of use during World War One
with a striking camouflage pattern, but is also
identified by name to a United States Marine who
enlisted in 1918 at the age of 16.
At the rear of the helmet along the exterior surface of
the brim is a hand applied engraving in coarse
lettering, “DG MCCUNE”. Fortunately a
somewhat unusual name, a search of on line data bases
revealed that Dennis Glenn McCune of Ohio enlisted in
the United States Marine Corps in August of 1918 at the
tender age of sixteen.
McCune’s obituary (b. 01-08-1901; d. 07-09-1961) reads
that he enlisted in the Marines during World War One at
the age of sixteen and his tombstone bears the legend
“PFC US MARINE CORPS; WORLD WAR I”. It is worth noting
that this helmet was originally collected from a family
estate in Ohio.
And most compelling, McCune is listed in the United
States Marine Corps’ Historical Locator Report HQ
1400-02 which lists the processing dates for all
Marines for the period of November 1775 through December
of 1971, indicating his enlistment in August of 1918.
Notably his entry does not list his age at that time –
perhaps an indication the recruiter was aware of his
age, and while not willing to perjure himself with a
false entry in the records, he chose not to refuse
McCune’s enlistment.
Further confirming the identification of this helmet to
this particular Dennis G. McCune, one of the red
segments of the camouflage pattern on the crown of the
helmet bears the inscription “OHIO”. The presence of
McCune’s name and his home state on this helmet may have
been his attempt to ensure that if he became a casualty,
his remains could be identified – certainly a valid
concern in the horrible conditions along the Western
Front.
A sheaf of the research assembled regarding Dennis
McCune and his service in the U.S. Marine Corps will
accompany the sale of this helmet.
The camouflage pattern is very well executed and it has
survived in excellent condition, showing very little
scuffing and no loss of the paint. The pattern consists
of segments of forest green, brick reds, browns, and
tans, each segment outlined in black borders.
While not enough is known
of McCune’s service during the war to confirm where he
served, the colors of the camouflage pattern painted on
the helmet are far more subdued than the bright color
combinations exhibited on helmets which are believed to
have been camouflaged after the war as a souvenir or
keepsake, and these subdued colors would suggest the
camouflage was applied while he was exposed to the
continuing hostilities at the front.
This helmet is in full form with no dents or other
misshaping. The exterior of the helmet has the correct
sawdust textured finish, applied to reduce reflection of
light from the helmet. The original OD green paint is
still intact on the brim of the exterior surface which
is not covered by the camouflage pattern, and likewise
the OD paint is still intact on the interior surface,
with no corrosion damaging the finish. The number
indicating the source of steel, the manufacturer,
and the heat of the steel
is legibly stamped on the underside of the brim “Z C
177”.
The black oilcloth sweat band is fully intact, has no
damage and is in very nice condition. The
interior of the sweat band bears the contract, maker
name and contract date ink stamps.
The crown pad is full form
with no deterioration. The paper tag under the crown
rivet is still present, but it shows some wear. Both
chinstrap bales are still present and fully functional.
The chin strap has suffered over time. It is parted,
but both ends are still present and still riveted to the
bales. The leather is worn and aged, but on the plus
side, this is the original chin strap, something often
missing all together.
Fresh from a very old collection, this World War One
United States Marine Corps Helmet presents with multiple
desirable features – it bears an original camouflage
painted pattern, it is identified to a World War One
Marine, and the Marine enlisted at the age of 16. This
helmet would be a very special addition to your World
War One U.S. Marine Corps collection. (0583) $1500
|
