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 impeccable veteran provenance! Lt. Colonel Henry K. Kellogg, the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, 19th Engineer Combat Regiment, picked up this helmet on May 1, 1943 at the Sidi Nsir Railroad Station, during the battle for Hill 609. 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 "...Place pretty well shot up. Found a German helmet..." This Heer M40 helmet is marked "E.F. 62" for "Emaillerwerke A.G., Fulda", in a size 62 shell, with a lot number of "9795". Helmet exterior was first sprayed in tan, with an overspray of olive green over approximately 10%. Helmet retains 65-70% of its camouflage, with staining, scattered marks, and patina throughout. Interior retains approximately 85% of its rough gray-green paint, with dust, patina, etc. Leather liner is intact 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 been 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 # 3340) was also brought home by the same veteran. CONDITION: Overall good-very good. WEZ
Paperwork
Photos of Diary Entries.