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US Army Liberty Bell Experimental Helmet -
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.

  1. 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.
  2. This helmet has the liner attached via rivets on the side.  No rivet is used at the top.
  3. The liner employed is typical to the WWI period.
  4. The leather chin strap is also the type found during the WWI period.




This page is a recognition and identification guide for US hats and helmets. Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points that should be noted.

One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my US headgear worth?". A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the hats and helmets is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of US militaria in the collector's market is illustrated.

This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of MilitaryItems.com, a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?
  1. FAQ's
  2. Experimental helmet anatomy
  3. Identifying fakes and reproductions
  4. Stamps and manufacturing markings
  5. Construction materials
  6. Pins, hinges and other
  7. Perspective view
  8. Purchasing WWI US Headgear




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.





US headgear is currently being reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this headgear. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.



If you have an interest is seeing other American military headgear, you can do so by going to our US Military headgear identification guide. Where we cover Army, Navy, Army Air Force and other organizations.



PRICING GUIDE INFORMATION

The value for the US WWI helmets and other military antiques and collectibles is provided as a means to educate the collector community and individuals who have a general interest on the field. The following is an estimated value. Prices may vary in every state and every country. This service is provided courtesy of MilitaryItems.com . The source for military antiques and collectibles in the web.

Year 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Value $2,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Availability Very rare Very rare Very rare Very rare Very rare
Invest Grade A+ A+ A+ A+ A+


While the item featured here is not for sale, similar items like it are available for purchase in our website MilitaryItems.com


 
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