November 7-8, 2018 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/7/2018
Perhaps one of the most significant World War II relics to ever come to the auction block is General Dwight D. Eisenhower's World War II four-star general's helmet, well-used, with outstanding provenance. This M-1 front-seam, fixed bale, steel helmet bears the original dark green cork infused finish. At the front of the helmet appear four white painted stars, each 3/4" tall. The chin straps and (replacement) liner are present, Near the end of the Allied campaign in North Africa, Eisenhower received his fourth star (and, presumably, this helmet), and on Dec. 20, 1944, he was promoted to General of the Army, thus gaining his fifth star. At that time, this helmet became obsolete, and then or soon after was given by Eisenhower to his chief aide, Col. Ernest "Tex" Lee who brought it home with him at war's end. From the estate of the recipient, Col. Ernest "Tex" Lee, who served throughout the war as Eisenhower's Executive Officer and Aide de Camp. Lee joined Ike in June, 1941 and assisted in the planning of the invasions at Normandy, Sicily and the ultimate defeat of Germany. Accompanied by a Notarized letter from Lee's son stating that Col. Lee had related to his family that he had obtained this helmet directly from Eisenhower during the European war and that it has remained in the family since that time. Undoubtedly Ike wore this helmet at the front and on inspections during the campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, and on the drive across France and the Low Countries. Helmet was sold at Alexander Auctions on June 3, 2010 for $40,000. CONDITION: Finish has typical oxidation and a few chips, entirely consistent with use. From the Ray Bentley collection.
Item Dimensions: 11" x 9 - 1/2" x 8 - 1/2".