WWII U.S. Army Riddell Paratrooper Training Helmet Marked with Laundry Number (1941-42)

Description

This is an original and exceedingly rare WWII U.S. Army paratrooper training helmet. It was manufactured by Riddell of Rosemont, Illinois. In 1941, 20 West Point Riddell football helmets were procured by the Army paratrooper Test Platoon. Following their acceptance, the Army rush ordered a purchase from Riddell. When asked what color they should be painted, the Test Officer for the Provisional Parachute Group, then-Major William P. Yarborough, replied "forget the paint, just ship them." This example was subsequently modified for continued use as a football helmet after the war; however, its transparent, high-impact plastic shell remains visible beneath its repaint. The interior retains its original size "7" rayon suspension, which is held in place by steel rectangular washers with leather spacers. At the suspension's center is a leather crown pad, which is embossed with "Riddell, SUSPENSION HELMET, PATENT NUMBERS [...]", followed by a series of since-illegible patent numbers. The suspension is stenciled with its original owner's partial laundry number, an apparent "6625". Normally, these markings would also include the first initial of the veteran's last name; however, Army Regulations (AR 850-5) from August 5, 1942, state that some objects, "intended for the use of the squad or section as a whole," would be marked only with the last four digits of the soldier's Army Service Number (ASN). In our research, we discovered a Colonel Remington Orsinger, O-6625, who served in the Airborne Command's General and Special Staff; however more research is required to confirm the attribution.

Provenance

Private Collection, Dover, Delaware

Condition Report

This helmet is in good, well used condition. The high-impact plastic shell does not appear to have any cracks, and its rayon suspension is strong and intact.