Description
Remarkable folk art World War I U.S. Army doughboy helmet painted with the Statue of Liberty, the symbol of the 77th Infantry Division.
Composed of draftees mostly from New York City, the 77th was the first American division of draftees to arrive in France, landing in April of 1918 to join the fight on the Western Front.​ The division fought in the Battle of Château-Thierry and later in the Meuse–Argonne offensive​. During its time in France, the 77th suffered over 10,000 casualties with 1,486 men killed.
With the Statue of Liberty on the front and polychrome camouflage on the back, The helmet was either painted in the European trenches or en route back to the United States following the occupation in 1919. The piece is accompanied by an illustrated book on the history of the 77th Division with embossed cover and color plates.
An important and evocative piece of WWI history.
Condition
Very good with minor wear.
Measurements
5.5 x 12 x 11 inches (helmet); 12 x 9 x 1 inches (book)
Shipping
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