This is a a variation of the "Liberty Bell" helmets produced for the
US army in the later part of WWI. The exact number of helmets produced is
not known but they were produced in relative quantity. The helmet was
never adopted by the US armed forces. It never left the
prototype/experimental stage.
There are no markings found in the helmet. The finish of the paint is
rough. potentially showing the cork technique using during WWII.
The helmet shows bumpy ridges around the edge of the helmet. These
were caused due to errors in the manufacturing process. once the
technique was perfected the bumpiness disappeared.
This helmet has the liner attached via rivets on the side. No rivet
is used at the top.
The liner employed is typical to the WWI period.
The leather chin strap is also the type found during the WWI period.
This is a view of the inside of the Liberty Bell experimental helmet. The
suspension system is composed of a net covered in plastic cloth. The whole
assembly is held together to the helmet via the use of a metal ring.
The netting is reminiscent of the WWI US and British helmets. A leather chin
strap is provided. Unlike other helmets, there is no quick way to disengage the
chin strap. It has to be undone at the buckle section.
The chin strap was attached to a ring that was welded to the helmet itself. The
ring was able to move back and forth to release some of the pressure exerted
on the weld when the soldier was runing around.
This is a closer view of the inside of the helmet. A pad would normally be placed
on the "crown" section. This would make the helmet more comfortable for wear.
The netting is fabricated of cotton string. Tightening or loosening it would
provide a little vertical restriction that would control the height of the
helmet as it is placed on the soldier's head.
PRICING GUIDE INFORMATION
The following is an estimated value. It may vary in every state and every country.
The year in which the estimated value was made is noted
Provided courtesy of MilitaryItems.com. The source for military antiques
and collectibles.
Value (2007)
$1,500.00
Availability (2007)
Very rare
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purchase in our website MilitaryItems.com
