June 12-13, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/13/2019
The US Army "Big Red One" 1st Infantry Division was one of the most famous and "battle tested" divisions in the European Theater of Operations during WWII. Helmets from that division are seldom encountered and extremely desirable. This M-1 helmet retains more than 90% of its rough olive drab paint on the exterior, and interior, with the rim edge being bare metal. Olive helmet net is present and has been trimmed during the process of securing it to the helmet. Net is secured by tan twine on the inside, and a series of field-made wire hooks are attached to the net and bent over the rim to secure the net. Hooks are rusty and net is stained where they are applied. Front of helmet retains the emblem of the 1st Infantry Division, with a two inch red "1" and a thin black line representing the emblem border around it. Emblem has worn areas and patina consistent with having been on the helmet for a very long time. Olive web chinstrap is machine sewn to the fixed bails. Helmet inlcudes its liner assembly with an aged suspension system, and one piece of webbing being worn through. Head band retains its buckle, but only two of its attachment hooks are present with leather sweatband being only 5% intact. CONDITION: Helmet and emblem are very goosd to excellent, and liner assembly is very good. A unique opportunity to own a very desirable helmet!