HELMETS #33370 Luftwaffe M-42 Single Decal Helmet

This M-42 Helmet is about the best one that I have had to date. The original blue-gray finish is nearly 100% throughout and there are few signs of the helmet being abused since the war. The Luftwaffe decal is also a beauty. It has not yet turned yellow and other than a small flake around the tail area and a little bit on the swastika legs, the decal is nearly all there. I would say that this decal is at least 95%. The decal, of course, depicts a Luftwaffe eagle flying to the left clutching a swastika. On the inner right rim, the helmet is stamped “ET64”. The rear inner liner is stamped with a run mark, which is “1834”. The original liner is in very choice condition, being a nice, soft light tan pigskin. All of the tongues are perfect and the original drawstring is in place. One of the tongues is marked with the size of the helmet in a circle “57”. Unfortunately, there is no chin strap, but the condition of the rest of the helmet should make up for this shortcoming. A very fine example here.

Mint Minus. $1,195.00

 HELMETS #33513C Luftwaffe M-40 Single Decal Helmet

This Luftwaffe Helmet is in fairly good condition throughout, still having most of its original finish. The finish shows a little bit of usage here and there and has darkened slightly. The original decal has yellowed over the years and does show some missing areas at the top of the right wing, at the breast of the eagle and maybe a little bit along the edge of the right wing. Other than this, though, the bird is in good condition and rates about 85%. The right inside wing of the helmet is stamped “064”. The run number at the back inner rim is “4939”. There is a chin strap with this helmet, but the chin strap is in a lot better condition than the helmet is. It is possible that this chin strap was changed, but it is marked “H Ruby & Co” “Hachenburg/1941”. The buckle on this chin strap looks old but the leather is in great condition. The liner of this helmet shows wear from the period but all tongues are in perfect, intact condition and the original drawstring is still in place. Assuming that the chin strap is an original example, this is a very nice helmet.

Excellent. $895.00

 HELMETS #33514C Luftwaffe M-43 EM Cap

This M-43 Cap is a fine gray wool. The wool is still in excellent condition throughout with no mothing. It does show some wear and usage, but it is all there. The peak area has a triangular sewn on insignia consisting of a woven gray thread bird which flies to the viewer’s right clutching a swastika in its talons. Below is a Reich cockade having the fine colors of black, white and red in the center. The cockade is still fairly bright because the earflaps of the cap button overtop of the cockade area. A pretty nice outside here. The inside of the cap has a gray silk lining showing quite a bit of head staining around the rim areas. On the center inside, it is ink stamped “1944” and size “58”. The issue numbers are in between the two “0/0501/0015”. A fine original Luftwaffe M-43 here.

Excellent Plus. $695.00

 HELMETS #33515C German Army Russian Winter Cap

This Winter Cap is made of field green wool. The wool is in choice condition throughout with no mothing anywhere. This cap is equipped with rabbit lined earflaps. The rabbit is a white and brown color fur and it is still in great condition. The inside of the cap is lined with a cotton style ripcord material. Stamped on the inside is a rectangular with the issue numbers at the top “1/0450/0317”. Beneath this is the word “hersteller Nr.6” and below this is the size and the date the hat was issued “56” and “1943”. On the obverse of the helmet, if you peel back the fur you will find an army cap eagle. This cap eagle is in choice condition, being the aluminum type featuring an open-wing bird looking to the right with a clutched swastika within a wreath. This hat shows very little usage and probably never made it to the Russian front. A fine original item here that you could wear out on the driveway shoveling snow.

Excellent Plus, Plus. $495.00

 HELMETS #33225 Political Ortsgruppe Leader Peaked Cap

This Political Leader's Cap virtually looks like it came out of the box. The cap is overall in choice, new-like condition. The cap is composed of the whip cord style wool. There are no signs of any insect tracks or any problems anywhere. The cap is piped in blue cord which runs around the upper peak and the area above and below the center band. The band is a fine velvet-like darker brown wool. The cap insignia is a beautiful 100% gilded political eagle. The eagle has outstretched wings and looks to the viewer’s right, clutching an oak leaf wreath with raised mobile swastika. This insignia is one of the best examples I have seen, being completely new-like. The cockade is positioned below on the band. This cockade has the red enamel outside with two rows of aluminum and inside there is an enameled black mobile swastika. Around the cockade is a gilded wreath of oak leaves also in choice condition. The chin strap cords are a nylon type and are also in complete new-like condition attached to gilded pebbled buttons on each side. The brim retains its original brown patent leather finish. There are no cracks on the finish and the patent leather is still nice and shiny. The area below is also brown, of a lighter color, and is checkered. The inside of the cap has a beautiful tan colored sweatband in choice condition. I do not know (nor do I care) if there is an RZM label underneath, as I am not going to lift this band to look as this is always a risk of tearing. These caps came both with and without RZM labels, so this does not matter. The inside of the cap headliner is covered in a rust color canvas-like material. The original sweat diamond is produced of celluloid and it is all there. There is a paper size which is pushed into the slot and it is stamped “56”. This is a really great political leader’s cap here. It is easily the best example that I have offered to date.

Mint. $1,495.00

 HELMETS #33303 Luftwaffe M-40 Helmet

This M-40 Luftwaffe Helmet shows some age and usage around the outside grey paint. Overall, the paint rates at about 85%. The Luftwaffe decal on the left side is still good, having quite a bit of age toning around it but it is still very visible. Other than a couple of normal scratches and things that happen over time, the decal still looks to be about 95%. A fairly nice outside here. The inside rim of the helmet on the left side is stamped “SE64”. The reverse inside rim is stamped with a run number “3873”. Unfortunately, the chin strap is gone and also the original liner. The head rim area with felt buffer is still intact, but the leather tongues are gone to time. This is still a good helmet to display or if you are handy, perhaps a new liner could be installed. Either way, the helmet is priced accordingly.

Good Plus. $375.00(#012711)

HELMETS #33159 NSKK Kepi

This NSKK Kepi is in overall fine condition. It is produced of an olive drab color wool. There is a band section beneath the top portion of the cap which is done in black wool. Examining the cloth throughout this Kepi, there are no moth holes anywhere. The band section of black wool has two grommets on each side as air vents. On the center area, there is a bullion eagle. The eagle is a Party type with open wings and looks to the viewer’s right and is holding a wreathed mobile swastika in its talons. Above the bird is a banner with the letters “N.S.K.K.”. The bullion work to the eagle is extremely fine, having black thread accents to show the details. The area below has an ear flap look but it is not meant to fold. The center area has an aluminum button which features an open-winged eagle with wreath swastika superimposed over a set of batons. The visor is matching wool of the same color on both sides. The chin strap is a patent leather which has gone dull over the years and shows a minor amount of attic crazing. The chin strap has two adjustable buckles and is held by black buttons on each end. The inside of the cap has a kidskin sweatband with one tear at the left side in the area beneath the brim. This tear was probably caused by people lifting the sweatband up to see the RZM tag. There is an RZM tag beneath it with the stamp “139” at the top and having a run number of “315533”. The upper liner of the Kepi is done in a rust color canvas-like fabric which is stamped with the size of the wearer’s head “56”. An extremely nice Kepi here still having its good, original shape and will make for a great display piece or the completion of a NSKK uniform.

Excellent Plus. $995.00(#122111)

HELMETS #33017 M40 Single Decal Army Helmet

This Army Helmet has pretty good surface paint, showing a few scratches and a little bit of wear but overall, the paint is certainly 95%. There is also some homeowner paint which has been spilled on the helmet from long ago when it was stored in the way of a family job. There are three or four speckles of white paint with one drop which has run downward slightly. This paint could be removed if someone wanted to do so. The helmet is the type with built-in air vents and it has good rivets. The original decal on the left side has some missing portions around the lower area of the bird extending to the left wing and also over a portion of the swastika. About ¾ of the swastika, though, remains. Overall, this decal is probably about 75%. The helmet ha the rolled edge and on the back inside rim it is stamped “dn50”. On the left side inside rim it is stamped “es64”. The original liner is in place, still having its drawstring intact. The liner is in pretty good shape, showing little wear but being pressed into the form of a head. The chin strap appears to be a replacement, as the leather and buckle are unlike the original types that we see. I guess a replacement is better than no chin strap at all. A good helmet here to display with other Third Reich memorabilia.

Excellent. $695.00

HELMETS #32948 Luftwaffe Flight Officer's Peaked Cap

This Luftwaffe Peaked Cap appears to be a conversion from an NCO type to an officer, as the chin cord buttons are the black NCO type that once would have retained a leather NCO strap. The hat is equipped with bullion chin straps, indicating that it was changed during the period. No doubt, this NCO was promoted to officer status. The cap is a fine gray ripcord material. This material is in perfect condition except for one little nick at the rear edge. The cap is piped in the yellow-orange color for the flight branch. The band is the normal black woven style material and it is in excellent condition. The cap is equipped with an aluminum Luftwaffe eagle which flies to the viewer’s right and clutches a mobile swastika. This eagle has outstanding detail throughout. The eagle is a slightly brighter color than the aluminum wreath below, an indication that perhaps this eagle was replaced after the war. As most collectors know, surrendering Luftwaffe and army personnel were often stripped of their cap insignia. As long as an original same vintage insignia was reapplied, there should not be a problem with this. The wreathed cockade below is the typical aluminum example with dark blue colored wreath and red painted dot in the center. The brim is the patent leather type, having excellent surfaces with very little age cracking and still some shine to the finish. The underside if the bill is a dark green color having a checkered surface. The leather sweatband inside is slightly hard from age but it is still in 1st class condition with no tears. The original diamond celluloid protector is mostly gone with just the part from the tip remaining. It is possible to see the hat size beneath this celluloid, “56”. The inside liner is a rust color canvas type material and in aluminum printing it has the name of the producer “Christian Haug/Beriln no 18/Hchstestr. 29”. There is also a round circular logo above this which in the center has the word “criha”. Presumably, this is an abbreviation of the maker’s name. This is in interesting cap, still in very collectible condition. I tried to price it in between what a decent NCO would go for and what an officer’s cap would sell for.

Excellent. $695.00

HELMETS #32947 Army Signal Officer’s Peaked Cap

This Signal Officer’s Peaked Cap is a fine example, being made of ripcord material. There is no mothing on the ripcord anywhere. The felt band below has few moth tracks, but because of its dark color, it does not show. The cap is piped in the yellow cord for signals. At the obverse peak is an aluminum open-winged army eagle which looks to the viewer’s right and clutches a wreathed mobile swastika. The detail to the bird is excellent. Below is a matching aluminum cockade and wreath. The wreath consists of oak leaves and acorns with excellent detail and the cockade has the dark serrated outside with a red felt insert in the middle. The brim is a fine black patent leather. It still has most of the original sheen to the surfaces and shows very little crazing. The below brim is a matching black color. The cap is complete with the officer’s aluminum bullion chin cords which are attached to small pebbled aluminum buttons, one on each side. The kidskin tan leather sweatband is still quite supple throughout. There are a few wear signs on the edge of the front of the sweatband, but there are no tears. The cap is lined with a yellowy silk fabric and contains a full celluloid diamond. This is a nice looking officer’s cap here of a fairly good size.

Excellent Plus. $795.00

HELMETS #32949 Civilian Fire/Police Helmet

This helmet has quite a bit of wear to the black outside surfaces. It appears as though some paint or other foreign object got smeared across the top of it and there are also signs of this material along the sides. The helmet has the standard two sets of air vents on each side. On the left side, there is a shield shaped police insignia. The silver bird has open wings, clutches a wreathed swastika, looks to the viewer’s left and is positioned over an oval oak leaf wreath. There is some scratching to the insignia, but overall, it is at least 85% intact. On the opposite side, the national insignia, being the red shield with white field and black swastika has quite a bit of scratching and abuse. It appears as though the swastika may have been attempted to have been rubbed out. Overall, this decal is maybe 50%. The inside liner for this helmet is still intact and is complete with the leather neck shield. The liner and neck shield show wear but they are all still together. The tongues all are in good condition with the holes intact. The original pull string has gone to time. The chin strap is also still intact and is positioned within the inside of the helmet. It appears as though the end of the strap may be missing. Overall, this police helmet shows some abuse but if you are looking for a filler piece or something that you can purchase reasonably and still be authentic, this example is for you.

Excellent Minus. $195.00(#091011)

HELMETS #32950 Luftschutz Gladiator Helmet

This Luftschutz "Gladiator" Helmet is in fairly nice condition, still having all of its original dark blue paint. The decal in the center of the obverse is still 100%. The silver decal features a pair of open wings with a swastika in the center. Above the swastika is a band with the name “LUFTSCHUTZ” in capital letters. The helmet has two sets of air vents on each side. The inside of the helmet is complete with the original liner and chin strap. The liner is still in relatively good condition, having most of the holes being broken but the original pull string is still there. The leather still is in fairly supple condition. This helmet is stamped on the inner rim on the reverse “R.L.239/11”. A pretty good example here for your RLB display.

Excellent Plus Plus. $295.00(#013012)

HELMETS #32712 Early Luftwaffe NCO Cap

HELMETS #32770C M-42 Army Single Decal Helmet

HELMETS #32769C M-42 Luftwaffe Single Decal Helmet

HELMETS #32768C M-35 Luftwaffe Double Decal Helmet

HELMETS #32173 Prussian NCO Pickelhaube

HELMETS #32312C Luftwaffe Tropical Pith Helmet

HELMETS #32020C Police/Fire Civilian Helmet

HELMETS #32022 Police/Fire Civilian Helmet

HELMETS #32024C Hitler Youth Leader’s Peaked Cap

 HELMETS #31997C SS Maroon Fez

HELMETS #31988 Prussian Enlisted Man’s Pickelhaub

HELMETS #31989C Prussian Infantry Enlisted Man’s Pickelhaub

HELMETS #31814 Prussian Enlisted Man’s Wartime Felt Pickelhaub

This Prussian Felt Pickelhaub has an excellent surface throughout. It is in beautiful condition and retains its original shape. The enlisted man’s style spike is painted black as was done during the first World War and the short stubby spike is retained at the base by four black painted studs. The front plate is a brass Prussian type featuring a fine looking well detailed eagle with the initials, “FR” on the eagle’s breast. The bird is crowned and carries a scepter and orb in each respective talon. The original chinstrap is in excellent condition matching the rest of the helmet. The cockades are the original types and the Prussian example on the left has a little bit of peeling to the white colors whereas the national insignia on the right appears to still have full paint. The inside back liner is stamped with the details of the owner’s original regiment, “B.A.XVI 1916”. The original black leather liner is all intact and it appears as though it has been restrung as there is a piece of rawhide holding it together. A very nice helmet here. The frontal plate looks as though it could be more rounded as it does not secure completely flat against the helmet’s felt base. Other than this a great original helmet here.

Excellent Plus, Plus. $995.00

HELMETS #31918 Political Leader Ortsgruppe Peaked Cap

This Political Leader’s Cap is a great looker having fine high peak and very good saddle. The cap is made out of a tan whipcord material and the whipcord is perfect throughout with no mothing. The cap is piped in blue cord indicative of an Ortsgruppe leader. The piping has some mothing at the very rear area of the upper cord and there is one little nip at about the nine o’clock area of the in between cord. The lower cord is still in perfect condition. The band area has a fine brown velvet being in perfect condition. At the center of the peak area is a gilded political eagle. This eagle has outstretched wings and looks to the viewer’s right clutching a large wreath with swastika. Below this on the band is a set of gilt oak leaves in a wreath. In the center is the political leader cockade. It has a red enamel serrated like background with a center area of two rows of rope like circles and in the middle is a raised out black swastika. The cap cords are the nylon gold color type and they are in good condition and are retained by gold pebbled small buttons. The brim is a brown color patent leather having a couple of minor flakes of the material just along the edge but it is not bad. There is the tiniest bit of crazing on the left side of the brim but that is it. The inner side of the brim is the checkered type with a dark brown color. The leather sweatband is in good condition except for one tear which is around the right side. The hat is lined with a tan color fabric and the original diamond head protector is still all there having a small crack in the celluloid and also the stitching has come apart on one end. It is good though to see the entire shield still being there. I am sure that there is an RZM tag under the sweatband but I don’t want to do damage on this hat by lifting up the band as it is somewhat brittle. A fine looking political leader’s cap here. I tried it on to get an idea of the size and it fits me and I’m about a seven. A great looking peaked cap.

Excellent Plus, Plus. $995.00

HELMETS #31653AF Fireman’s Nickel Dress Parade Helmet

This Fireman's Parade Helmet is definitely a carryover from the imperial time and is a Third Reich vintage piece. The helmet is of all nickel and it has slightly flared out lower rim and neck protector as well as the traditional fireman’s comb at the top. The comb is applied to the helmet with separate boss rivets. There is a gilded faceplate on the helmet which is kind of interesting in that it depicts an oval decoration in the center with shaking hands in the center and a triangle with an eye in the center with rays around it at the top and at the bottom a set of burning logs. This oval disk is surrounded by oak leaves and acorns with a set of crossed fire axes superimposed. At the top of the oak leaves is a fire helmet design that looks almost identical to this helmet itself. There is a ribbon at the bottom which has the slogan, “GOTT ZUR HER DEM NÄCHSTEN ZUR WEHR”. There is also a fine metal scales chin strap that has a leather backing with intact buckle and hasp. The outside of this helmet shows only modest age and a small ding at the right side near the cone that looks to have been quite successfully removed. The inside liner is all original being a black leather and all of the tongues still have the original cord. This is a very nice helmet here and would make a great display with some other fire department memorabilia.

Near Mint. $595.00

HELMETS #31524C Coal Miner’s Peaked Cap

This Coal Miner’s peaked cap is in very fine condition throughout. It is produced of a high quality wool. The wool is all of black color at the crown area and it is in perfect condition piped with red. The red piping is also perfect, with no signs of moth anywhere on this hat. The band below is a quality black velvet. In the center area of the crown, there is a set of silvered crossed hammers. They are the coalminer type hammers we see on the insignia from this organization. On the center of the band is a standard Reich cockade. It has a black serrated outside circumference with silver line circular with the middle being red velvet. The brim is an exceptional fine patent leather showing no cracking or crazing. This patent leather brim looks brand new! The patent leather chin cord does show a little bit of crazing and age, but it is not bad and is all there. The inside area of the brim is a light green color. The sweatband is a fine brown leather in choice condition. The inner liner has a yellow whipcord-like material with about 25% of the original celluloid diamond intact. This is the lower area that has the point and the slot for the maker’s name tag. The area above still has most of the original maker label intact. It is made by a company “A.M.Drees”. Beneath this are other letters which are beginning to wear. An extremely fine original coal miner’s cap.

Mint Minus. $595.00

HELMETS #31523C Coal Miner’s Peaked Cap sans Insignia

This Coal Miner’s peaked cap is in fairly nice condition throughout but the insignia has been removed. The crown upper part of the cap is all produced in black wool. There is no mothing and the wool is in excellent condition. The cap is piped with red cord and there is no damage to the red cord anywhere. The lower band is made of black velvet. The brim is a patent leather type having some minor crazing on the surfaces but not bad. The chin cords are also patent leather, showing minor age and crazing but it is all there. The lower portion of the brim is brown with a checkered pattern. The inside sweatband is a little stiff but it is not torn and is still in place. The inner liner appears to be a brown canvas-like material. It has a celluloid diamond sewn to the center. It has the producer’s name in blue “Pekünge” and below “Deutsche/Qualitats/Arbeit”. There are also some markings with logos and a date of “1890” which was probably when this producer began. The name tag of the original owner is still in the diamond slot. The tag reads in pen and ink “Klemens Becker Kotzenroth”. A nice cap here and it should not be too difficult to find the coal miner’s crossed hammer insignia as well as a cockade insignia.

Excellent. $250.00

HELMETS #31198 Luftschutz Gladiator Helmet

This Luftschutz helmet is in pretty good shape throughout. It is the style helmet which is two-piece, meaning the rim is a separate piece of metal. The blue finish appears to be at about 99% throughout the exterior of this helmet. It has two sets of air vents on each side of the helmet. These air vents have seven holes each. The Luftschutz decal is nearly 100%. It is rare to see a decal in this good of a condition. The original chin strap is also in place and has very fine leather. The inner rim of the helmet has a run stamping which appears to be “pi 23829”. Below this are some decals which give the details of the helmet. Some of this is the size “57” and the price of the helmet “rm.8.00”. There is also a decal which says “Vertrieb genehmigt/gemäss 8 Luftschutzgesetz”. The liner appears to be all there but it is ripped and the original drawstring has gone to time. The size stamping is still visible at “57” on one of the tongues. Additionally, the original owner’s name is written in pen and ink on one of the tongues “Maise”. A very fine conditioned helmet here and also a pretty good sized example.

Excellent Plus Plus. $595.00

HELMETS #31056 M-42 Single Decal Army Helmet

This Single Decal Army Helmet came into my cellar completely coated with psychedelic glow-in-the-dark paint from the 1960’s. It took us a couple of minutes to get this paint off with acetone as it was meant to be removable, if as I remember correctly, people used to use this paint on their bodies also. At any rate, underneath is a pretty nice M-42 helmet with full green paint still intact. In addition to the fine green paint finish, the original decal featuring the Wehrmacht Eagle clutching a swastika is still there and rates at about 95%. This outside is really in good condition. The inside of the helmet has the markings on the rear rim, instead of the side edge. The run marking is “3033”, and the maker and size of the helmet is stamped above. I think it is the CKL producer, but all I can see in clarity is the “C” letter. After the initials is the helmet size, “64”. This helmet has a liner still in it, but the liner is blown out in the center. In other words, the tops of all of the tongues as well as the drawstrings are gone. The rest of the liner is still there, but it is beginning to rot and will not be around for too much longer. Also, the remains of the chinstrap are also there, but unfortunately, the end portion is gone to time. If someone has a replacement liner out there, this would be a really great helmet. As it is, it is still a good display example, as the outside is really impressive. We left a little of the psychedelic paint on the stem of the right rivet. If you pull the rivet out slightly, you can see the paint still on there as a remembrance of how this helmet was preserved greatly.

Excellent. $695.00

HELMETS #30904 Army NCO's Peaked Cap

This Army Peaked Cap has outstanding whipcord field green wool material. This whipped cord has no mothing anywhere throughout the hat. The upper and center portions are piped with white cord indicating that this cap was worn by an infantry NCO. The band below has a good dark green wool surface and this too is in perfect condition. The patent leather chinstrap and brim are in good condition. The chinstrap still has most of its original sheen and the brim is just a little bit duller from time and shows a slight bit of attic crazing but not bad. At the peak of the cap is an aluminum army open-winged eagle insignia. This bird has exceptional detail and looks to the viewer’s right clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. Below in a two-piece construction is an oak leaf and acorn wreath surrounding a Reich cockade. The cockade has a black outside aluminum circular inside and has a red round felt insert in the center. The inside of the cap has a tan collared under brim which is checkered. The leather sweatband is in perfect condition throughout and is ink stamped, “8./J.R.88/I”. The inner top area is a rust colored canvas like fabric and has a 100% intact diamond celluloid sweat shield. Beneath it is marked “54” indicating the size of this fine cap. A very nice example here.

Near Mint. $650.00

HELMETS #29266 Army NCO Peaked Cap

This Peaked Cap is made of whipcord style cloth and it is in choice condition throughout with no moth holes anywhere. The cap is piped in white cord and the cord is also in perfect condition. The band is the usual darker green felt style material. There is an open-winged aluminum army eagle at the center of the peak. The bird looks to the viewer’s right and has good detail throughout grasping a swastika. Below is the cockade composed of a wreath of oak leaves and acorns and in the center the cockade itself is of red felt with dual silver circles around it and a black serrated round border in the background. The patent leather brim is in choice condition throughout having no crazing and still has its bright original sheen. There is a fine set of patent leather cap cords above complete with the two adjusting buckles. The lower brim is a brown color having a checkered finish. The interior is a fine rust color material. The sweatband is in good condition throughout with no tears. The area beneath the celluloid diamond is stamped in ink, “54” indicating the size of the cap. There is about 30% of the original celluloid diamond remaining. A very nice cap here and perfect if you have a nice infantry NCO uniform to show it off with.

Near Mint. $695.00

HELMETS #30592 Luftschutz Gladiator Helmet

This "gladiator helmet" is the two-piece type and it is in about as nice a condition as you will find today. It has nearly 100% of the original dark blue color paint across its surfaces. Even the Luftschutz decal is nearly 100%. This decal displays open wings with acorns and oak leaves in the center covered with a mobile swastika. Above the swastika is a banner, “Luftschutz”. The helmet has two sets of air vents on each side of it and at the center area there is a rim which connects to the lower rim area. As mentioned above this paint is nearly 100% showing very little usage. The original black leather chinstrap is in choice supple condition having its two adjustment buckles intact. The inner liner is a fine tan color and is really new like. This liner is still nice and soft and has no staining at all from greasy hair. The original drawstring seems to be there although it is broken. The liner itself has some stampings on it, one being probably the name of the company that made the liner “Werkauftschetzleitumg / G. & W. Heller, Wien”. Also the liner is stamped with a numeral “2”. The reverse of the helmet is factory stamped “RR2 3811”. Additionally there is a painted nomenclature which gives the details of the helmet and also gives its size, “56”. If you are looking for a really fine conditioned Luftschutz helmet this one should fill the bill.

Mint Minus. $595.00

HELMETS #30567 Luftschutz Gladiator Helmet

This "gladiator helmet" is in such a condition as it could not have been worn more than once or twice. The helmet is the two-piece style and it has good rich color original factory blue paint. Other than a couple of minor signs of being around this paint is in near mint condition. There are a couple of chips on the rim beneath the chinstrap but that is really about it. The decal on teh front is still nearly all there rating at about 95%. The decal features a pair of wings with oak leaves and acorns in the center with a mobile swastika superimposed. Above the swastika is a banner “Luftschutz”. The original black leather chinstrap is in choice condition resting over the brim. It has the two adjustable buckles. This two-piece helmet has a rim in about the center to which connects the lower rimmed section of the helmet. There are two sets of air vents on each side of the helmet. The inner liner still has the fine tan new-like leather color tone to the tongues. The tongues are in near mint condition having a drawstring in the center which may or may not be the original one. At the rear of the helmet on the inner rim it is stamped “PL2 39-20”. Below this the original decals which give the helmet specifications are all there to include the price “RM8” and the size “58”. This is a pretty large helmet. The number “58” is also rubber stamped on one of the liner tongues. A great helmet here and perfect for a RLB collection. This helmet would really look nice displayed next to an RLB officer or enlisted man’s dagger.

Mint Minus. $595.00

HELMETS #28306C Luftwaffe NCO Side Cap

This Luftwaffe Side Cap is made of all-gray wool. The wool is in good condition throughout, having no moth holes or problems. There is a slight discoloration to the material at the brim area where the hat meets the hairline. The obverse of the hat has a hand-sewn Luftwaffe insignia consisting of a white bird flying to the right carrying a swastika in its claw. Below this, on the front of the brim is a thread-made cockade. This cockade has a white border with a black inner rim, another white rim and red center. The inside of the cap has a lighter whipcord heavier style material and I see a few numbers still vague on the surfaces but no other markings. A good original here showing some age but still all there.

Excellent. $295.00

HELMETS #30335 Army Artillery Officer Peaked Cap

This Peaked Cap is a fine doeskin wool type. The wool is in outstanding condition throughout the cap having just one track on the top near the rear and a tiny little nip next to this track. Other than this there are no holes in the cap. The rim is also a fine example having good dark green contrasting color. The cap is piped in the red cord indicating that this was worn by an artillery officer. The peak area has an aluminum open-winged eagle clutching a swastika and looking to the viewer’s right. This is a well detailed bird. Below the eagle is the wreath of oak leaves and acorns in matching aluminum having an aluminum cockade in the center. The cockade has a black outside with white serrated inside and the inner circle is a red wool. Below this is a good set of aluminum cap cords. The brim still retains its bright patent leather sheen. This brim is in complete perfect condition. Beneath it is a light tan color having checkering in the surfaces. The leather sweatband shows a little bit of wear around the rear and side areas where the cap was slid on to the original owner’s head but it is not bad. Other than this the leather sweatband is in choice condition being a tan leather. The original celluloid diamond sweat shield is all there. It has an interesting maker marking that features a silver immobile swastika at the top over the firm’s initials, “J.D.S.”. There is also a two line quality saying below this. The inner liner is a fine off-white silk. An outstanding artillery officer’s cap.

Excellent Plus, Plus. $995.00

HELMETS #27081CAF American WWI Helmet

This World War I Helmet appears to have lost the original liner inside, but the chinstrap and related leather is still there, held by a rivet to the center inner upper area. The leather has the name of the original wearer written in pencil, “C.Van Gieson”. The outside of the helmet has an olive drab paint, which shows quite a bit of age. This paint is probably about 80%. On either side of the helmet is an artillery-style shell, painted in a blue color. The artillery round is positioned between a letter “W”, and a circle around the entire depiction. The circle is done in black paint. I am not familiar with what this is, but it might make a good display for those of you collecting American World War I items.

Excellent. $150.00

HELMETS #18098 Veteran's 2nd Style Peaked Cap

 This Veteran's peaked cap is produced in a fine blue black wool and it is immaculate. There are no moths, tracks or any problems in the upper body of this fine peaked cap. The frontal area has a Reich round cockade which is positioned above a gilded metal wreath which features a second style Veteran's insignia within. The lower rim of this cap is quite interesting to study. It is produced in a textured silk fabric. Brocade in the fabric is the veteran's Memorial insignia alternating with swastikas. These designs run throughout the entire length of the lower band. There is an NCO style patent leather chinstrap which is also in good shape. The rim is black patent leather on both sides and still retains most of its original shine. The inner rim is a fine kidskin which has a paper tag applied to it representing the hat size. It is "57 and 1/2". The "1/2" is written in inked pen whereas the "57" is a stamped number. The original paper is still under the inner brim. The celluloid sweat shield is diamond shaped and in perfect condition. It has a white Veteran's Memorial in a shield in the center and above it is written "Deutscher Reichskriegerbund Kyffhauser" and underneath that in parenthesis is "Ges. Geschutzt". The inside liner is a lighter blue color. This hat remains in perfect condition and with a reblocking could be quite a stunner.

Mint. $250.00

HELMETS #30180 Luftschutz Gladiator Helmet

This "gladiator helmet" has a fairly nice original blue surface. It has a few “pecks” and “chips” at the upper portion where it has been rolled around on hard objects, and there is a little bit of paint missing around the left side of the brim area, but overall, this paint is a lot better than most of them. I would say that the paint is about 95%. The helmet has a flared lower area that is bent over at the rim. There is a fine decal at the obverse, being a set of wings with oak leaves and acorns in the center, and a swastika positioned in-between. Above the swastika is a banner, “Luftschutz”. The inside liner is still in good excellent condition, having all intact tan tongues, with what looks to be the original drawstring. The chinstrap is also in place, being a leather type with adjustable buckles. The helmet has two sets of vents on each side of it. A good conditioned item here, and if you are collecting these various types, I’m sure that this would be a fine example to display.

Excellent Plus, Plus. $495.00

HELMETS #30184 Army NCO Cap with Piping

This NCO Cap is a fine whipcord wool. There is no marking on any of the surfaces of the cap. There is one small “nip” down at the rim edge, but that is the only fault I see in this fine wool. The cap is piped in dark blue indicating that it was worn by a medical affiliated soldier. The band is a fine darker green felt. There is a nice looking higher quality silver eagle at the obverse peak. T his bird looks to the right and has outstanding detail throughout his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and mobile swastika. There is a tiny bit of the copper flashing below that shows at the top of the peak, as well as in some areas of the wings and the wreath. Below the bird is an aluminum wreath and cockade. The wreath features higher detail oak leaves and acorns, and the cockade has a black outside with white double rims and a red felt center area. Below the wreath is an NCO patent leather adjustable chinstrap, as well as a black brim. The brim shows only the slightest of age but is in excellent, still shiny condition. The brim below is checkered and has a brown surface. The inside of the hat is an orange-tan color that appears to be some type of satin material. The sweatband that runs around the hat is still in choice condition. The original celluloid sweat shield is almost totally intact with just a small piece missing at around the 4 o’clock area. The sweatband is marked “57”, being the size of the cap. A good looking NCO cap here, which would display very nicely.

Excellent. $695.00

HELMETS #30088 Fire/Police Double Decal Helmet

This Fire–Police Helmet is the lightweight form worn by civilian fire and policemen. The helmet is black painted and has outstanding surfaces throughout. The paint appears to be nearly 100% having some mild scratches and usage signs here and there but virtually no damage. This double decal helmet has the police decals on the left side. It consists of a silver shield device which displays an oak leaf wreath with open-winged police eagle superimposed over the center. The eagle clutches a mobile swastika. The details are outstanding throughout the decal itself is about 95%. The decal on the right side has a shield device with the NSDAP flag being a red background with off-white round field and black mobile swastika. This decal appears to be 99%. A good-looking outside here. The original leather neck protector is still in place in this helmet. It is held in place via arrow tip type leather points. There is a little bit of cracking in the surfaces of the neck protector but nothing that a little bit of shoe polish or leather nurturing would fix. The inside of the helmet has a fine black liner with all of the tongues intact. The drawstring is missing from the tongues but that would be easy to replace. There is a brown leather buffer which is installed in the center area below the headliner to protect the wearer’s skull. The original chinstrap is also still in place. A good helmet here that just needs a little bit of attention and it should clean up to near mint condition.

Excellent Plus, Plus. $495.00

 HELMETS #29992C Army Winter Fur Cap

This Army Winter Cap has a field green wool interior. The wool is in perfect condition with no mothing. The cap is equipped with brown fur ear flaps with brown trim that runs throughout. The cap is lined with a gray silk material which feels to have padding beneath. The material is stamped, “58” inside. There is other illegible stampings beneath. The drawstring for the earflaps is in place. A fine winter cap looking like it is ready to go.

Excellent Plus, Plus. $395.00

HELMETS #29818 Luftwaffe NCO Side Cap

This Side Cap is the standard gray wool variety. It has a woven white eagle with swastika insignia sewn to the upper portion of the frontal area and on the center flap is a cockade which is made of woven material consisting of gray border, inner blue circle, inner white circle and, in the middle, a red color fabric. There are no holes or problems with this side cap, but it does show some even wear as well as a little bit of staining around the edges which appears to have been from oil and grime accumulated from normal wear. The inner liner is a canvas-like material, also showing some wear. There is an original-to-the-period safety pin inside which I have left in place. A fairly good original example here showing some age.

Excellent. $295.00

HELMETS #29552C Luftwaffe M-42 Single Decal Helmet

This M-42 helmet is a nice example. It has excellent blue gray paint to the outside being in a near mint state having only a little bit of scratching to the very top dome area. The Luftwaffe decal is also an outstanding example which I believe to be at about 98%. This bird flies to the viewer’s left and clutches a swastika in his talons. This helmet, of course, is the sharp rimmed variety made in 1942. It is stamped on the inner rim, “T64”. This gives the manufacturer initial as well as the helmet size. On the reverse inner rim there is a run number of, “2620”. The inside liner is all there and in good condition. All the tongues are intact and there is a piece of rawhide which is stringing them all together. This may not be original but the rawhide has definitly been there a long time. The chinstrap is missing from this helmet but there is also a piece of rawhide put in place of it. This also has been there a long time. A fine original helmet here in very good collectible condition.

Excellent Plus, Plus. $995.00(#011111)

HELMETS #28950C Army Officer's Peaked Cap

This Peaked Cap has a great look to it with fine saddle shape. It is in near perfect condition having only a little bit of mothing at the reverse lower band area, but this of course is nothing that shows from the front. There is also a little moth nip on the band area just to the left of the cockade, but this is not noticeable either. The cap is a fine whipcord style wool. It shows very little usage or age and is in nice condition throughout. The cap is piped in a darker green cord which at first I thought could be mountain troop, but I think that my luck is not that good and it is probably administrative. Either way though it is a very nice hat. At the peak there is an aluminum insignia consisting of the army variety bird looking to the viewer’s right and having good detail to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering and wreathed swastika. Below on the band area there is a brocade wreath with acorns and in the center a metal cockade having the red insert. The cap cords are the officer aluminum brocade type. The brim is an outstanding patent leather variety which still retains all of its black shine showing little to no age. A fine outside here. Beneath the brim it is a tan color having a checkering to the surfaces. The original sweatband is still in perfect condition and one of the owner’s initials remains in place on the sweatband. It is a metal monogram letter, “D”. The inside of the cap is lined in a light tan silk and the celluloid sweat diamond still is in perfect 100% intact condition. On the center area below the celluloid diamond is the name and logo of the producer. This is also a diamond shape having the intertwined letters, “AM” in the center. Around the outside is the firm’s name and location, “Aug. Müller München” and at the bottom of the diamond is the address and phone number of this firm. This is an opportunity to acquire an exceptional conditioned officer’s hat. This piece was acquired from a veteran source and it was necessary to replace the cockade area as the veteran had taken this off and had put a skull in its place. This is the kind of thing that we frequently see but of course it is easy to make these adjustments. There was also a small portion of the piping which has been undetectably repaired where there was a moth hole. These are superficial repairs and just make for a much nicer collectible.

Excellent Plus, Plus. $995.00

HELMETS #29279C Tropical Pith Helmet

This Pith Helmet is in fairly good condition overall. It is the type of helmet that has the wool felt covering throughout the outer area. The covering is in perfect condition except for a small spot on the breather button at the top. This hole in the fabric is about the size of a pencil eraser. Also, as is common with these helmets, the lower portion of the brim reinforcement was beginning to shred a little. We repaired this accordingly and it looks pretty good. The helmet is complete with the original side insignia. The left side has the Wehrmacht eagle which is the bird with half-closed wings clutching a mobile swastika. The bird is in aluminum color with a black background. On the red side is the national emblem which is a seal consisting of the colors black, aluminum in the middle and red on the bottom. The chin strap is intact on this pith helmet. The inside has a fine leather kidskin sweatband. The original owner’s initials have been embossed into the surface on one side, “JHS”. Turning the sweatband inside out, the size, “57” and the date, “1942” are also there. The inside of the helmet is lined in a red felt. A good example here which displays well.

Excellent. $395.00

HELMETS #28947C Black Side Cap

This Side Cap has a standard design about it, having a fold at the very top and also having upward positioned earflaps. The material is cotton lined style fabric, being definitely black in color and not dark blue. On the inside there is a silk liner that is of greenish-blue lined material, having the lines being slightly darker. There is a size “53” stamped onto the inside. There are a few stains inside, showing light wear. It is possible that this side cap could be one of the Werk issued examples from the DAF group, or it is also possible the side cap could have been worn by one of the women’s groups that helped with other organizations. Either way, a very nice looking cap here, definitely of wartime vintage. It also looks a lot like the cap that is shown on page 27 upper, in volume 2 of the Jill Halcomb book. This cap has no insignia, but the style looks identical. Whatever it is, it is of wartime vintage and a genuine article.

Excellent Plus. $250.00

HELMETS #28951C Early Civilian Fire/Police Helmet

This Fire Police Helmet appears to be very early to me, as it has several different features that are not seen normally. The helmet has a good black paint that covers at 100%. The paint shows only minor age. There are also traces at the top of the helmet that appear to be filled-in slots that at one time may have accommodated a comb. Apparently, the comb was removed during the period. The helmet has double decals, the right side having the red shield with white field and mobile black swastika rating at least 98%, and the left side having the police shield that has a silver line around the border and features the wreath with open winged eagle clutching a swastika within a wreath. This insignia has about 95% remaining. It is interesting to note that above both of the decals there is a dual set of separate piece air vents. Each of these applied air vents has 7 holes. The later helmets, of course, simply punched the holes into the side of the helmets and did not bother with a separate fitting. A good looking outside here. The inside liner is also still in excellent condition. All of the tongues are in place, and there is also the original drawstring. This helmet has the little leather pieces that would have retained a fire shield around the neck. The straps, though, do not have the usual points that we see on the later types. These leather straps, that would retain the neck shield, are different from the usual, being held curved at the end by small leather straps. I’m not sure just how these would have affixed to a fire shield. The inside of the helmet has a leather pad, which is also in excellent condition. This pad is marked in black ink, “ABL5”, which would have represented the group this fireman belonged to. His name is also inked below the abteilung noting, being “Groftsey”. Also, the leather chinstrap is in place and this black leather is also in excellent condition. An interesting helmet here for those that collect these things. I’ll bet this model form is missing from most Civilian Fire Police helmets.

Excellent Plus, Plus. $595.00

HELMETS #28662 M-40 Double Decal Police Helmet

This Police Helmet has the normal dark green finish with some scuffing here and there. I would say that about 60-70% of the finish remains. The helmet is a model 1940, having the stamped air vents and a double decal. On the left side of the helmet is the police insignia which is black having white details. There is a border which runs around the insignia featuring an open-winged eagle with a wreathed swastika superimposed over an oak leaf wreath. About 80% of this decal remains. On the right side of the helmet there is the national insignia consisting of a red shield having a round white field with mobile black swastika. The white has toned to a yellow color. About 85% of this decal remains. Both of these decals have been sealed in with varnish many years ago. This is the kind of thing that collectors used to do when they were worried that the decal would flake off. This varnish still shows and was apparently done with a paint brush and was confined to just the area outside the decals. The inside of the helmet is marked, “SE66”. The back rim is marked, “21979”. The helmet has a good liner inside showing quite a bit of usage but it is still all there. The tie string is in place and the helmet liner is stamped with the size, “58”. The chinstrap has gone to time. A good helmet here showing some usage but still being in collectible condition and sound throughout.

Excellent Plus. $895.00

HELMETS #25815 Luftschutz Gladiator Helmet

This Luftschutz helmet has overall, nearly all of the dark blue paint. It does have some scratches and usage signs throughout, but the paint grades at least 90-98%. The helmet is the standard two-piece style. There is no decal on the front of this helmet and it does not appear that there ever was. The inside of the helmet has the good, tan colored, liner with all pieces intact. It shows some minor wear and there is a rawhide style pull cord, which may or may not be original. The original black leather chinstrap is in place above the brim. It has the decals in the back, which stipulate that it is a Luftschutz helmet and that it is a size “56.” Additionally, the inner reverse rim is stamped, “RL2-38-28.” This is a good display example remaining in collectible condition.

Excellent Plus. $185.00

HELMETS #25961 Luftwaffe M-35 Reissue Helmet

This Luftwaffe helmet originally started its life as a double decal, as it is an M35. Apparently, during the war, they could not produce new helmets fast enough, so original old ones were revamped and reissued. This is the case with this example. The finish of this helmet is a blue-gray paint and there is quite a bit of age on it, and some of the paint is missing. It rates at about 80%. There is a later style Luftwaffe decal on the left side. This decal is about 85% and has a good depiction of the eagle flying to the viewer’s left, clutching a swastika. If you look real closely, you can see where the original decal was underneath this decal and, if you look on the right side, you can see where the original national insignia also was in place and was painted over. This is very interesting to me, and I hope that the next owner of this helmet will also find it fascinating. The inside left rim stamping is mostly illegible because of the second paint job. Only the “3" number is visible. On the reverse rim, the stamping can be seen “5331". In addition to this, in white paint, is the original owner’s surname, “Fröhlich”. The white paint has yellowed with age, but possibly this could be enough for a research project. The leather liner in this example still has the original drawstring but it is quite dark and shows a lot of age. The size of the liner cannot be seen, but this helmet appears to be fairly large. I am sure that the helmet experts out there could tell you a lot more about this piece, but this is all I can glean on my own. A good collectible example here, which is untouched.

Excellent. $795.00

HELMETS #28148 Hitler Youth Peaked Cap

This Hitler Youth Leader Peaked Cap is a very exciting item for me, as these are quite rare. This cap is made out of a whipcord style soft material of a tan color. It is in perfect condition on the outside, with the exception of a very small moth hole at about 1 inch from the back rim. Otherwise, the cap is in good condition throughout. This cap is piped in red at the upper portion, and on the two borders of the brim edges it is piped in aluminum bullion. According to the Tom Shutt Hat Book on page 34, where there is picture of an identical cap, this is the 1938 Model of Hitler Youth Leader’s cap for the ranks of Gefolgschaftsführer to Oberstammführer. The center of the peaked area has the silvered Hitler Youth Eagle, which looks to the viewer’s right. The wings are wide open, and the bird clutches a large mobile swastika within a wreath. The edges of the top of the wings, as well as the bird’s head, have a little bit the silvering worn off, and there is some copper base metal showing. It is not bad, though. Below this, on the band, there is an enameled diamond shaped Hitler Youth Badge. This enamel is still in perfect condition, having bright colors to its red, white, silver, and black mobile swastika. The cap cords are the officer’s style, aluminum bullion type. The rim below is a black patent leather, and there is no crazing to the leather whatsoever. It still has its nice bright sheen. Beneath the brim is a checkered texture, which is covered in a tan color. There is a little bit of wear to the coloring, revealing a darker brown beneath. The inside of the cap is lined in a matching tan textured cloth. The original protective sweat diamond is gone to time, but the area where it was is a definite lighter color, and all the sewn holes are still there. The size of the cap, “57”, is stamped into the area where the diamond would have been. The cap has a kidskin brown leather sweatband. It is torn in three places, but still is all there. Lifting up one side, the original brown color RZM tag is still in place. This tag shows a Hitler Youth diamond and swastika, and is printed in white, “Mütze fur HJ-DJ”. This cap shows some wear throughout, but it is all there, and is still in excellent condition. Hitler Youth Leader caps are very difficult to come by. This is an excellent example to display with a Hitler Youth Leader dagger, or other HJ memorabilia.