Militaria

Rare, untouched US Navy M1 fixed bale helmet with period navy markings. The shell is a typical McCord produced example with factory sewn chinstraps. The helmet has period applied Navy markings BOS’N, indicating boatswain. The bo’s’n, bos’n, or bosun, also known as a deck boss, or a qualified member of the deck department, is the most senior rate of the deck department and is responsible for the components of a ship’s hull. The boatswain supervises the other members of the ship’s deck department, and typically is not a watchstander, except on vessels with small crews. Additional duties vary depending upon ship, crew, and circumstances. Rare original US Navy helmet with period markings in untouched condition!

To me this is one of the most prominent and typical US world war two issue GI helmet. The helmet has many interesting details for me which are typical to the GI’s serving in the ETO. The helmets shell has been blackened on the top which is a typical feature as most Soldiers would cook in their helmet shell on top of a fire. The interior also shows remnants of it having been used as a cooking vessel. The helmet is complete with its early Rayon tape Westinghouse liner which has been named numerous times and has numerous laundry numbers on it. This helmet is a textbook example of a GI helmet which is very hard to find. Maybe pricey but even for a textbook helmet as used with most GI’s, most of these suffered from repaints, reworks and have swivel bales. This is a textbook helmet which would be great on a Ardennes offensive display; the helmet itself was found in Luxemburg. Hard to upgrade combat piece!

Textbook First World War issue US Colt 1911 lanyard in unissued condition. These lanyards are mostly if not all dated 1917 on the snap hook. This is a excellent example!

Textbook First World War issue US Colt 1911 lanyard in unissued condition. These lanyards are mostly if not all dated 1917 on the snap hook. This is a excellent example!

US Colt 1911 holster marked Tex Tan in good used condition.

Textbook, unissued US Navy foul weather hats in unissued condition. They are dirty and could easily be cleaned but are in unissued condition! Could be easily cleaned with a damp cloth!

American Red Cross suitcase in good condition. These suitcases, laden with supplies were issued to American POW’s.

Excellent and named 82nd Airborne class A jacket with period sewn insignia. The garment is in very good light worn condition and comes with the Tie and Garrison cap found together with the jacket. The garment is named Gerstner which could be a good base for further research. The Jump wing oval indicates he served in a Airborne Artillery Battalion. For me, the favorite detail on this garment is the British half Pennies used as backing for the Collar disc insignia. Typical detail for a soldier who was stationed in the UK prior to D-Day. The garment is a killer piece that would very nicely display in any Airborne focussed collection!

Textbook combat used US Pistol belt.