April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2023
Rarely is a helmet offered with such solid veteran provenance! Lt. Colonel Henry K. Kellogg, the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, 19th Engineer Combat Regiment, picked up this helmet on May 8, 1943 at Aine Rhelal (12 miles east of Mateur, Tunisia). An old tag is attached to the helmet with that information. Included photos of his diary also reinforce the provenance, as his entry for May 1, 1943 states "We found a German trailer that had been hit by a shell. We promptly joined the soldiers who were gathering souvenirs! I got a compass, a rifle, a mosquito net frame, two helmets, etc." This Heer single decal M40 helmet is marked "E.F. 62" (Emaillerwerke A.G., Fulda, and a size 62 shell), with a lot number of "3136". Helmet exterior retains most of its rough gray-green finish, with a heavy amount of wartime dirt and dust adhering to it, with worn areas, scattered marks, and patina throughout. Heer decal rates 65-70% with worn areas and scattered marks, and its original coat of varnish with the matching wear and damage, and is easily visible with a black light. Interior retains approximately 85% of its gray-green paint, with dust, patina, etc. Leather liner is intact with medium wear and drawstring is present. Liner has been treated long ago and has tan blemishes on the surface, which may be a result of the treatment, but appear to be easily removed. Liner band and rivets have not bee disturbed and are tight, with patina. Chinstrap is attached, is complete, has steel fittings, has been treated as the liner has, and also exhibits the same tan blemishes as the liner. Another helmet (Lot #3339) was brought home by the same veteran. CONDITION: Overall good to very good. WEZ
Paperwork
Photos of Diary Entries