This is one of the most unique painted helmets we have ever had the pleasure of offering. This M1917 Helmet has been painted for the First Marine Aviation Force, a VERY small detachment of marines trained in aviation and who saw combat on the Western front in the final months of World War I.
The First Marine Aviation Force was organized in Miami, Florida on June 16th, 1918. Four land-based air squadrons were set up and provisionally named A, B, C and D. These squadrons left for France in August 1918 and arrived the same month, participating in bombing raids over Ypres in September, October, and November 1918.
The helmet is painted with the U.S. Marine Aviation insignia on the dome, with six aero roundels of six allied nations surrounding it, including the U.S., Britain, France, Italy, Belgium, and Russia. There are also 2 iron cross insignia signifying the allied forces surrounding and crushing the German enemy.
Inside the liner was a train ticket dated October 22nd, 1919 for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. There's also a tag on the helmet as shown that could have the soldier's name, but it's very faint.
This is a one-of-a-kind helmet to a unit that almost never comes up for sale.