September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/12/2024
North Vietnamese Army pith helmet, which was the standard helmet that most NVA regular soldiers wore. This helmet features an early red enamel star on the front, rather than the later painted brass badge. Complete with chinstrap and full liner hardware. This helmet was brought home by a US Army cavalryman, as denoted by the graffiti on the helmet. The left side is marked in ink "HO CHI MINH SUCKS", right side is marked "1/7 CAV", and the rear is marked "A SHAU". Interestingly, there is also art from the North Vietnamese soldier etched on the interior brim in the form of a flower and a name. The helmet retains its shape but exhibits scattered dents and other damage, as well as tarnishing. Most intriguing is that there is still shrapnel lodged in helmet that is detectable by magnet, on the right side just behind the "1/7" CAV" marking. The 1st Cavalry Division was active in the A Shau valley during Operation Delaware. The operation lasted from 19 April-17 May 1968 in which the 7th Cavalry swept through the A Shau valley in an attempt to destroy NVA forces in the area and disrupt supply efforts on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. CONDITION: Good.
Item Dimensions: 12" x 9" x 6"