Millions were already dead by the time America joined the fray.
It was truly a different conflict than what had begun in August 1914.
The United States would continue to wear the basic helmet albeit with an updated liner until 1940.
During World War I, the United States experimented with a variety of helmet designs including this Model 8 produced by the Ford Motor Company.
Yet, largely forgotten is the fact that the United States had sought to develop its own helmet.
Several models were actually considered, and that is where the name Dr. Bashford Dean typically enters the story.
The Museum Curator
Born in 1867, Dean could be described as quite the character.
At the outset of WWI, the U.S. was under-equipped. In addition to not having its own steel helmet, American troops deployed with a version of the French Chauchat machine gun.
Many of those would later make generous donations to the museum.
The traditional story is that he was approached by the military.
Henry said that isnt quite right.
The MkI steel was adopted by the British military in 1916. It was essentially copied and adopted by the United States as the Model 1917.
Many of the designs began as plaster of Paris, and then into sheet metal prototypes, said Henry.
Around 2,000 of those helmets were produced by the Ford Motor Company of Detroit, Michigan.
It was considered too close in profile to the German Model 1916 helmet, and therefore rejected.
Dr. Bashford Dean was a noted authority on the subject of medieval arms and armor, yet his role in the development of an American steel helmet may have been exaggerated.
It was similar to the MkI but with a deeper bowl covering the wearers head.
Unlike the Model 2, the Model 5 saw limited field testing in the trenches of France.
It was less practical than it sounds, and never went beyond the prototype stage.
Approximately 2,000 Model 2 helmets — said to be based on the “Standard” helmets worn in Greece and Italy in the 15th century — were produced by the Ford Motor Company.
As with the Model 4, the only known example was once displayed at the U.S. Army Ordnance Museum.
The Model 7 known as the Sentinels Helmet resembled something a medieval knight might have worn.
It was reportedly very uncomfortable.
The Model5 helmet was unique in that it was actually field tested in France in the final year of the First World War.
Three versions were produced weighing 11, 15 and 18 pounds respectively.
That example was offered for sale for $42,000, and is now in a private collection.
One of the more notable experimental helmets designed during the war was the Model 8.
Rumors have circulated that the Swiss Model 1918 helmet was copied from the Model 5, but a comparison of the Swiss helmet (left) to the Model 5 (right) shows they are hardly identical.
The Model 8 has been a favored helmet of collectors due to its unique design.
In fact, modern helmets like theAdept Armor Novasteelcould be said to take inspiration from the Model 8 design.
As the war was essentially won, the subsequent designs didnt progress very far.
The Model 6 featured the novel concept of being able to tilt forward on the wearer’s head, where in the lower position the brim doubled as a facemask. Image:Helmets and Body Armor in Modern Warfare
The name likely came from the helmets unique shape, which loosely resembles an off-center bell.
It has been speculated it was a lone prototype that was referenced in the article.
What is well-known about the Liberty Bell is that it had nothing to do with Dr. Dean.
The Model7 was one of the more fantastic designs to come out of the experimental helmet program. Image:Helmets and Body Armor in Modern Warfare
The helmet was officially abandoned as a replacement helmet in 1920.
There are some flaws in the story of course.
When in the history ofanymilitary have the likes or dislikes of soldiers really mattered?
The Model 8 was unique in that it had a visor that could be raised or lowered as needed, but the practicality of the design is still questionable.
The more likely answer is that the helmet was field-tested and the war ended before it was widely adopted.
It should be added that Dean was responsible for a number of tall tales.
As with Deans other embellishments, it is ridiculous possibly a misunderstanding on Deans part.
Major James E. McNary designed the helmet that earned the moniker “Liberty Bell.” Approximately 1,500 were produced and hundredswere field-tested.
Moreover, the French cavalry was wearing helmets when the war broke out.
The U.S. soldiers and Marines wore the Model 1917.
It was updated in the 1930s with an improved liner system as the Model 1917A1.
These helmets have also become quite popular with collectors as so few were produced.
