Description:

Impossibly rare fiber helmet, crafted in the style of a Dutch M34 steel combat helmet, and believed to have been used by the "Brandenburg Division", an elite German special forces unit, during excursions into the Netherlands in preparation for the invasion of that country. The helmet is finished brown on the exterior and fitted with a separately-applied ersatz oval badge at front. Interestingly, the exterior shows several raised bumps to simulate rivets, matching the positions of the liner mounting rivets seen in real Dutch M34. The exposed fiber construction of the helmet can clearly be seen inside, and the interior is also fitted with a leather chin strap affixed by two rivets to a grey plastic band. Appropriately, no markings are present. The interior appears to be missing some foam rubber cushioning, and the helmet shows expected wear overall, else very good. Prior to the invasion, the "Brandenburgers" were tasked with capturing the railroad bridges over the IJssel and Maas rivers. To this end, some soldiers disguised themselves as Dutch military policemen, escorting captured German soldiers, allowing them to cross the border without suspicion. This subterfuge was generally unsuccessful, and most of the bridges were destroyed by Dutch defenders, killing several "Brandenburgers" in the process. Sold with an authentic Dutch M34 combat helmet for comparison.

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November 13, 2018 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000