WWI US army GAS MASK & HELMET with I. D. WW1 USGI

Real doughboy issued model 1917 combat helmet and gas mask. A fairly decent helmet with the original paint, it still has the liner and leather chin strap. The liner is starting to show its age, but is completely intact, one side has loosened up, pulled away from the chin strap rivet, but still attached by a strip of what looks like old bootlace material. The set was Issued to a solider named Joseph METZGER from the 337th field artillery. METZGER BAT A 337th F. Written under the closure flap of the gas mask bag. JLM 28' is also written in the front of the bag. Was a component of of the 88th division , the 88th Div. Suffered a total of 90 casualties, of whom 27 were killed and two officers and seven men were taken prisoner by the enemy. The gas mask and bag show lots of hard use and wear, the mask bag has a large round hole in the front, and is a bit dirty. The opening flap has an old hand stitched field repair.

The face mask is dry and torn near the left of the eye piece. The lenses look thin and a bit cloudy - possibly old replacements. The hose is misshapen and very dried out, but is still attached to the canister. Years ago I remember doing research on Joseph metzger and the 337 th field artillery unit.

The unit did see active combat action on the front line and they were reported to have been gassed by the enemy at least once. I believe joe made it back home safe and sound, to Chicagoland , bringing his helmet and gas mask home as souvenirs. WWI US army HELMET and TRENCH GAS MASK - with I. DO not PASS IT UP!

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