A Very Rare Beautiful Full Dress Uniform from the US 12th Infantry – 1902 Pattern
Worn by Captain C. Irwin Weaker of the Pennsylvania National Guard

The 12th Infantry Regiment of the Pennsylvania National Guard was formed during the Spanish-American War and mustered in at Camp Hastings, Pennsylvania. The unit would continue on as a National Guard unit, a reserve component of the United States Army under provisions of the 1903 Militia Act passed by Congress. And, as a result, we have this wonderful 1902 Regulation US Army Captain’s uniform from the period where the United States Army changed uniform regulations. This elaborate double-breasted dress blue uniform dates from 1902 and was the last of the standing collar dress blue uniforms the US Army issued. It is from the Spanish-American and World War I inter-war years and is in excellent condition. The uniform is identified to a Captain C. Irwin Weaker.

The 12th Pennsylvania National Guard during the Spanish-American War.

The heavy blue wool has beautiful double-braided heavy bullion quatrefoil of a Captain down both sleeves above crossed bullion rifles and the number ‘12’ above them; all above a bullion stripe than around the bottom toward the cuff. The front of the uniform has double rows of nine Pennsylvania state seal gilt buttons, all bright and in excellent condition with two buttons at the back of the coat. They all have the ‘M. C. Lilley’ of Columbus, Ohio stamping on the back. The high standing collar has the infantry sky blue insert into the gold bullion thread trim. The shoulder boards of this beautiful uniform are made from wound heavy gold bullion. This is an excellent and elaborate US Army 1902 regulation Infantry full dress uniform.

A United States Army 1902 First Sergeant’s Uniform Coat – 1st Infantry, Company

A beautiful, well-preserved medium blue dress uniform of the 1902 pattern uniform with the high-standing collar with the distinctive brass crossed muskets at both sides, an insignia that was changed in the 1905 regulations to crossed Springfield rifles. The regimental number ‘1’ is above the muskets while the company letter of ‘G’ is below. The collar is piped with a gold cording that matches the trim at each epaulet and above each cuff of this handsome uniform. There are seven large brass eagle buttons down the front of the uniform and at the back tails with each of them back-marked ‘Superior Quality Made in England’. There are three smaller eagle buttons at the side of each cuff and one on each epaulet. This dress uniform has the rare light blue aiguillette cord, an intricately knotted, dress double cords and tassels at the left epaulet, which was worn across the chest and to the right arm. On each sleeve is the powder blue, three chevrons over one diamond patch signifying the rank of a First Sergeant.

A Very Rare United States Army Hospital Steward’s 1902 “Medical” Uniform and ‘Medical” visor hat
Worn by Harry Gosnell, Medical Department, Maryland, North Baltimore

The United States Army has always had a medical corps, but the agreement as to the appropriate insignia a multitude of times. This very rare US Army Medical Steward’s uniform worn by Harry Gosnell of Baltimore is from the time when the medical doctors and the US Army could not come to an agreement on what symbol should be used. There were arguments for the Maltese cross and the ancient Greek symbol, the caduceus, an image of two serpents entwined around a staff under a pair of wings; which has been mistakenly associated with medicine but has been used for many years. Medical doctors in the US Army wore a gold shield insignia until 1896 when the Maltese cross was designated to be worn at the collar either in an embroidered cloth insignia or metal device. But in the 1902 design the caduceus was adopted and spread into the civilian world where medical doctors still use it today.
This unique, medium blue Medical Corps dress uniform has the Maltese cross metal insignia (pre-1902) at each side of the red piped, high-standing collars. Included with this uniform are the two embroidered red caduceus insignia on a white background and a blue patch which would have been worn later. This particular well-preserved Medical Corps uniform was worn by Harry Gosnell serving as a cook as evidenced by the very rare ‘rising bread’ patch maroon patch at the side of each sleeve. Six brass US eagle Horseman of Philadelphia buttons are at the front of this uniform and three smaller buttons at each cuff and each epaulet. Red piping of the Medical Corps is at the collar, epaulets and at a band five inches above the cuff where two maroon service stripes are diagonally sewn to the sleeve.
This uniform is accompanied by an excellent 1902 regulation US Army Medical Corps visor hat worn by Harry Gosnell and made by the Pippy Company. The red and blue band below the blue wool crown matches the colors of the uniform. The Medical Corps caduceus brass insignia, an image of two serpents entwined around a staff under a pair of wings, is affixed to the front of the hat above the leather chinstrap that has a small brass buckle. Written on the leather sweatband outside and inside are Gosnell’s initials of ‘H.L.G.’. The Pippy maker’s stamp and contract date of ‘Mar. 17, 1903’ are on the inside of the sweatband. This is a beautiful and very rare Medical Corps uniform and visor hat, which includes two, sets of rare the medical insignia.

A United States Army “1st Cavalry” Lieutenant’s Uniform

This 1st Cavalry US Army Model 1902 uniform is an excellent and very rare example from an era of Army uniforms that were only around during the inter-war years between the Spanish-American War and World War I. The dark blue Lieutenant’s coat has the single quatrefoil at the bottom of each sleeve above the distinctive gold bullion crossed sabers with the ‘1’ above them. A single gold bullion ribbon is around each sleeve toward the bottom.
The nine buttons on each side of this double-breasted coat are gilt federal eagle Horstmann of Philadelphia made and are in excellent condition. Two buttons of the same type are secured at the tail of the uniform as well. The cavalry yellow high-standing collar typical of the 1902 regulation US Army uniform has the single bullion ribbon surrounding the yellow felt. Manufactured by Hickman and Company of New York, this is a beautiful and rare cavalry uniform a makes a wonderful display piece.

A 1902 Regulation US Army Adjutant General Major’s Dress Uniform
Worn by the Louisiana National Guard – Beautiful Louisiana “Pelican” State Buttons

A beautiful and elaborate United States Army dress blue coat, this coat was worn a Major in the Adjutant General’s Office of the Louisiana National Guard and has brilliant gilt Louisiana pelican buttons down the front. The buttons have the large pelican over the ‘Louisiana’ and were made by the Scoville Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut. Two identical buttons are at the back of the coat as well. This is a very special 1902 regulation US Army uniform as the regulations were changed soon thereafter and not many of these dress uniforms survive since they were usually privately purchased, especially at this rank. Even rarer is the fact that this is a Major’s uniform and that this officer served in the Adjutant General’s office. The Major’s rank is indicated by the triple, gold braided quatrefoil which is elaborately applied at the bottom of each sleeve above a gold braid band which surrounds the sleeves above the cuff. The beautiful emblem of the Adjutant General’s office, the gold bullion eagle above the red, white and blue finely embroidered federal shield is sewn onto a black patch and is affixed to the sleeve between the quatrefoil and the sleeve band.
The Adjutant General commands the Louisiana National Guard and is appointed by the governor, but the origin of the Guard dates back to the 17th century and the colonial era of Louisiana. The high-standing collar of this uniform has two gold ribbon bands that surround the collar. At each shoulder are heavy gold braid woven shoulder boards. Attached to the right board are the double, woven gold braided cords with the additional single cord and gold mace drop of the Adjutant General. This is a very rare uniform given that it incorporates the 1902 full dress design, the Major’s rank and the elaborate design of the Adjutant General’s office. In addition, the Louisiana buttons are a rarity on their own. A brilliant Louisiana uniform.

A Very Rare United States Army “Inspector General” Major’s Dress Uniform

The office of the United States Army Inspector General was instituted by George Washington in 1777. Originally designed to test the efficiency and competence of the Army, it was and is a source of information for the Army’s chain of command. By the early 1900s, Inspectors General were all over the world inspecting troops making sure that they were ready for battle.
This is a very rare United States Army Major’s uniform worn by what would have been one of the very few Majors in the Army at that time. The Gold bullion Inspector General insignia of a sword and fasces crossed within a wreath is below the triple quatrefoil on each sleeve of this deep blue wool uniform. A single bullion ribbon band is below this elaborate display which makes it very unique among US Army uniforms of the day since the Inspector General’s ranks were very few. All nine Hortsmann gilt buttons with the US federal eagle are in place on each side of the front of this deep blue wool uniform as well as two small Horstmann buttons at the back vent of the uniform. The high standing collar is of the 1902 regulation dress and has two rows of gold ribbon all around. The shoulder straps are of wound bullion cord with the right board having the two, doubled long and heavy bullion cords, that reach to the bottom of the tip of this uniform. One of the doubled cords has the two gold metal mace attachments of the Inspector General. This well-made uniform has a tailor’s label inside of the Henderson Ames Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan ‘Military and Society Goods’ inside the collar at the back. Fully lined and in excellent condition considering age, this is a beautiful, rare Inspector General’s Major’s uniform of the 1902 design.

1902 Khaki Grouping – A Complete Uniform Set of the 1902 Khaki US Army Summer Uniform of Ralph E. MacLeod –
Captain Coastal Artillery Command – Later World War II “General”
A Uniform of the 301st Artillery Headquarters Unit 86th Massachusetts Coastal Artillery

The United States Army underwent a major change in their summer uniforms in 1902. General Order 81 of 17 July 1902 provided that the uniform be made of cotton, or in the case of this complete uniform we have here; a light canvas with buttons of dull bronze. One of the collar buttons of this infantry uniform with the ‘301’ and ‘HQ’ over crossed cannon at one side that indicate that it was from the 301st Artillery Battalion, Headquarters Unit. On the other side of the collar is the button of the 86th Coastal Artillery Command. This uniform was owned and worn by Ralph E. MacLeod who served at various times in the United States Army including a stint with the 86th Coastal Artillery Command in Massachusetts. He appears in the 1920 Massachusetts Adjutant General’s report as being a captain of Third Company at Boston.
This uniform is complete with the ‘stand and fall’ collared jacket which is nearly elaborate with its display of the new subdued bronze buttons. The jacket has peaked cuffs, is unlined and has no inside pockets. The four patch pockets at the front each have the dull finished bronze US eagle buttons with the front having five buttons almost twice the size of the pocket buttons. The sleeves are made from a slightly lighter fabric and are drawn at the top where they meet the epaulets which have the smaller eagle buttons.

This is a complete uniform set with the khaki breeches and lace-up leggings. The 1902 uniform was very distinctive – blue was even cut from the color scheme for dress uniforms and black leather items were replaced with russet. New insignia were authorized, chevrons were smaller and the new bronze, subdued buttons were standard on field uniforms such as this.
The very rare khaki 1902 regulation 86th Coastal Artillery Command hat is made of the same material and has the crossed cannon insignia with the number 86 below it at the front of the crown. Sized 7 ¼ inside the wide russet leather sweatband which is in excellent condition, the maker’s stamp of ‘Hirschberger & Co.’ along with ‘Contract July 15th 1908’ are nicely stamped in gold on the sweatband. There is no lining as this is a rugged and durable hat. The leather visor and chinstrap above it are in good condition with some buckling. Two small federal eagle buttons anchor the chinstrap and are a subdued brass in color.
This rare uniform has the haversack, canteen, and cartridge belt, visor hat, cartridge belt, trousers and buff leggings (gators) with it. These are very rare examples of the wide leather russet straps instituted and in the 1902 regulations. The canteen with the initials and numbers of ‘NBB’ and ‘46’ on one side still has the cork stopper. The haversack has the stenciled ‘US’ on one side and is trimmed in a dark canvas. A canvas .50 caliber cartridge belt accompanies this complete 1902 US Army regulation uniform with the entire uniform and accoutrements being in original and excellent condition. This uniform set is very rare

A Pattern 1895 United States Army Forage Cap
10th Infantry, Company F; Spanish-American War

The United States Army changed to a new forage cap style, which the troops didn’t like and as a result very few have survived. The prominent solid brass insignia has the infantry branch crosses rifles with a regimental number of ‘10’ above and a Company letter of ‘F’ below. The changes included a screw-back to the pin which this hat has inside the crown. There is a faint New York maker’s mark inside the crown and the 1 ½ inch leather sweatband is in good condition. The leather visor and chinstrap have some crazing but are intact. The brass eagle buttons at the side of the chinstrap are of the post-1885 style.

An 1872 Pattern United States Army Officer ‘Engineers’ Kepi
Browning King and Company of New York – Indian Wars

This very well made US Army junior officer’s Engineer’s kepi was tailored by the famous 19th century hat makers of Browning King and Company of New York City. It is made from a heavy, medium blue wool cloth and has three wool bands around the base of the crown, with a red Engineer’s band in the middle in felt between two wool ribbed bands. The pre-1885 brass buttons at the side of the double leather chinstrap are in excellent condition. A black, ribbed wool strip runs from each side of the hat and run to the top of the crown. The nicely lined inside has the Browning label stamped in gold in the crown.

A United States Army New York Militia Kepi
Circa 1885 – late Indian Wars

Made by Baker and Company of New York City, this well-constructed blue kepi with yellow piping at each side and on top of the crown has a New York state seal brass hat badge at the front. With ‘Excelsior’ at the bottom the brass badge is in excellent condition. Two New York buttons of the circa 1885 period anchor the leather chinstrap at each side of this attractive kepi as well. The interior of this hat is very well made with 1 ½ inch leather sweatband and cardboard liner inside the crown with the maker’s mark embossed in gold, somewhat illegible but present. The flat, patent leather visor below this bright New York insignia makes this an excellent presentation kepi from circa 1885.  

A Very Rare United States Army ‘Engineers’ Captain’s Uniform
Captain Harry S. Wright – US Army Engineer

This is a very rare 1902-regulation officer’s dress uniform. With the equally rare Engineer buttons with the motto ‘Essayons’ (French for ‘Let us try’), the Engineer motto embossed on them, there are nine buttons down each side of this beautiful double-breasted dark blue wool coat. Captain Harry S. Wright wore this uniform when he served with the New Jersey National Guard Engineers, a federalized unit in the United States Army. (pg. 553 of the New Jersey State Treasurer’s Report). The uniform has the Captain’s name written on a white Hortsmann tailor’s label inside the coat pocket. This is a well-tailored uniform with the double-quatrefoil of the Captain’s rank at each sleeve. The gold bullion Engineer ‘castle’ insignia is below the strands of quatrefoil above a gold ribbon band with surrounds each sleeve. Beautiful red piping runs down the length of the front of the uniform where it buttons to the opposite side making this a very attractive display piece. With the standing red felt and gold ribbon collar and bullion braided shoulder boards, this Engineer’s dress uniform is a rarity.
However, the rarity of this uniform lies much in the Engineer Essayons buttons which are very rare and in this case very good condition. The origins of the Essayon buttons are rooted in the War of 1812. The buttons were officially designated for Engineers in 1840. In 1902, the year this style uniform was adopted, the Engineers were the only branch of the United States Army allowed to keep their distinctive, original insignia. Officially described in the 1840 regulation as, “an eagle holding in his beak a scroll with the word, 'Essayons,' a bastion with embrasures in the distance, surrounded by water, and rising sun; the figures to be of dead gold upon a bright field", the same motto is used in the Engineer branch today. There are nine of these buttons down each side of the front of this uniform. At the back vent where there is elaborate red trim, there are two large buttons. The interior black lining of this important uniform is somewhat worn, but otherwise the uniform is in very good condition.
Captain Harry S. Wright was listed as the Aide-de-Camp for the New Jersey National Guard (federalized in the 1908 Manual of the Legislature of the State of New Jersey. He was heavily involved with preparing the troops for World War I.

The Uniform of Colonel Stanhope Blunt, Commandant of the Springfield Armory, US Army Arsenal
Aide to General Philip Sheridan in the West and Indian Wars
A 1902 Regulation Ordnance Dress Uniform with Elaborate Gold Quatrefoil

Col. Stanhope E. Blunt commanded the Springfield Armory from August 1907 to September 1912 and was the leading authority on United States Army ordnance when he died, the author of many book and papers on marksmanship and ordnance management. Blunt’s father was a West Point graduate and he graduated third in his class in 1872. Between 1874 and 1885, he was a mathematics and gunnery instructor at West Point while also serving in the ordnance department. He served in the infantry as Chief Ordnance Officer in the Dakota Territory fighting the Sioux and Cheyenne and eventually as Aide-de Camp to General Philip Sheridan from 1885 to 1888. During this time Blunt developed a reputation as being the leading authority on ordnance and marksmanship in the United States Army.

Blunt designed the US Army’s Marksman’s badges in the 1880s while serving in the Dakota Territory and was transferred to the Ordnance Department in Washington, DC. He was promoted to the Commandant of the famous Rock Island Arsenal and oversaw the expansion of the facility during the Spanish-American War and was promoted to Colonel and Commandant of the US Arsenal, Springfield Armory in 1907. This dress Colonel’s uniform was owned and worn by Colonel Blunt when he commanded the Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts.
This extremely rare and very elaborate 1902 US Army Colonel’s dress uniform has the five strands of gold ribbon quatrefoil at each sleeve above a single ribbon band that surrounds the sleeve just above the cuff. In between the single band and the quatrefoil is the gold Ordnance insignia. This is a very rarely encountered insignia and quatrefoil design and is very probably the only one of this period in existence due to Colonel Blunt’s position in the United States Army at the time. The front of the deep blue uniform has nine gilt buttons with the United States spread eagle seal. Each manufactured by Horstmann of Philadelphia, the uniform is missing one button on its right side. The standing collar is trimmed with the ordnance colors of red and black with gold ribbon trim which is now subdued due to wear and aging. The heavy gold bullion corded should boards are secured at each shoulder by a small Hortsmann US eagle button. At the vented back of this beautiful uniform are two large gold Horstmann document as well. This is a very well and privately made officer’s uniform, nicely padded with a lighter blue lining and pockets on each side.

The Forage Kepi of Lieutenant Colonel Clarence E. Bennett of the 1st California Cavalry; Civil War and Indian Wars
Accompanied by a superb archive of research on Colonel Bennett

1st California Cavalry Colonel Clarence E. Bennett graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point on July 1, 1851. This began a long and illustrious career, which would last through the Civil War, and Indian Wars with most of his service in the West, he would see action in the Utah Expedition when US Army troops were sent to quell a Mormon uprising. Settlers from Arkansas and Missouri would be killed by the Mormons and US Army soldiers were present to prevent further bloodshed. After the Expedition Bennett would serve as Regimental Adjutant in the 10th Infantry and then on to Fort Laramie and frontier duty in 1860. While he had resigned his commission and moved to California just before the Civil War, Bennett enlisted in the local militia and eventually was named Major and then Lieutenant Colonel of the 1st California Cavalry in early 1863 and was quickly sent on to Fort Yuma and the Fort Craig in New Mexico where the southern half of the territory had seceded to the Confederacy. Most of the fighting there was with the marauding Apache Indians. Included in this archive are fascinating ”copies” of transcriptions of reports sent to headquarters by Bennett. He details the Indian fighting and hardships of serving in Indian Country during the Civil War, of destroying Apache camps and of the murders of civilians by the Indians.

Clarence E. Bennett would be promoted to Brevet Colonel, U. S. Volunteers, “For Faithful And Meritorious Services During The Rebellion” on March 13, 1865 and muster out of active duty but would re-enter the US Army at a reduced rank of captain and serve in Texas, on reconstruction duty before heading out West to first fight the Sioux in the Dakota Territory in 1870 and onward as he took part in the Yellowstone Expedition in 1872 and served at the Standing Rock Indian Agency.

This blue wool forage kepi is from the years that Bennett served on the frontier fighting the Sioux as a Captain. It is very well made by the famous Horstmann Brothers tailors in Philadelphia as evidenced by the gold embossed maker’s label inside the fine leather sweatband. Inside that sweatband is handwritten in black ink ‘Capt CEB’ indicating that this kepi was with Bennett from the time he was sent to the Dakota Territory, at Standing Rock and through his service in the West. In very good condition, the patent leather isor is subdued at the top from wear while the underside still has remnant of the shiny patent finish. Gilt brass Federal eagle buttons with the ‘I’ for Infantry secure the leather chinstrap at each side of the kepi with a small buckle at the right. Other than two very small holes at the front and center of the crown from wear, this wool kepi from Colonel Bennett’s frontier service is an excellent artifact and memento of a storied soldier’s service to his nation. A superb archive of research accompanies this kepi and includes Colonel Bennett’s service records, a multitude of photocopies of handwritten letters and despatches; his widow’s pension files and transcriptions of battle reports sent by Colonel Bennett during the Civil War where he describes in vivid detail the action between the troops he commands and the Apaches they are fighting. Ex: Walter Budd

A Union General’s Uniform dark blue with black velvet collar and cuffs ca. 1865 -1868

A late Civil War Brigadier Generals double-breasted frock coat with balloon sleeves and Civil War era General shoulder boards with a single star on velvet. Quilted linning of a white polished cotton and inner belt attachment. Most likely a late war issue, worn into the early days of reconstruction and occupation of the south. By the time of the Indian Wars those officers that remained in the Army were reduced in rank to Colonel or Captain, thus very few generals coats exist from 1869 on. Excellent condition and a rare generals double-breasted uniform coat

A Dress Shako of the US 21st Artillery Regiment ca. 1880 Indian Wars

A beautiful black shako with a tall crown which is titled toward the front, this is a beautiful dress kepi of the 21st US Artillery. The crossed cannon bright brass insignia at the front has the number ‘21’ under it making this an impressive headgear. The dress shako has the attached shoulder cord, which is in the red artillery color and intricately double-braided with two tassels at the end although lacking the horsehair red plume that mounts on top. The patent leather chinstrap is attached at each side by two large brass crossed cannon artillery buttons above the patent leather visor. A beautiful shako kepi from the 21st.

A 36-Star US Flag – Civil War, Admission of Nevada to ratify the Emancipation Proclamation by Lincoln

Nevada was admitted to the Union in 1864 in time to vote for the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution that abolished slavery in America. This 36-star naval flag was used from 1864 during the last days of the Civil War it was the last flag the Union Army/Navy would use during the war. This is a very nice, home-made cotton flag with a beautiful sky-blue canton and original ship lanyard still attached, obviously made for a Cape Cod vessel or whaler, it was discovered a 100 years latter in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It has appliqued stars and measures 67 x 138 inches; an impressive and beautiful Civil War flag.

Headquarters Battalion Flag of the 105th Engineer Combat Battalion 1944 - fought at D - Day, Normandy

Known for their motto of ‘Ever Dependable’, this battalion of combat engineers landed at Normandy Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944 clearing mines for the troops in the invasion of Europe. As part of the 30th Division, the 105th Engineer Combat Battalion also established bridgeheads and demolished the Nazi infrastructure while fighting as infantry when needed. They drove to on to the Battle of the Bulge crossing the Meuse River on September 11, 1944. The 105th was very active in the Rorer River offensive and fought with the British 1st Commandos as they advanced into Germany. The battalion finally linked with the Soviet army in May of 1945 and served with the occupation forces at the close of the war.
This historic red headquarters flag of the 105th Engineer Combat Battalion from World War II is in excellent condition considering age and use. The appliqued white Engineer castle at the center with the ‘105’ above and large ‘HQ below is a beautiful reminder of the heroics of combat engineers who fought from D-Day until the Nazis were defeated. The headquarters flag measure 21 x 30 inches and is an excellent World War II historical showpiece.

A Red and Orange - US Navy Signal Corps Flag WW2

This is a very nice, well-made and sturdy US signal corps flag made in a red and orange diagonal design.

A US Quartermaster Flag Triangular with hand sewn QM design at center

At 48 inches at the hoist and 76 inches on the fly, the flag has the Quartermaster symbol and is in excellent condition.

A US Marine Flag, sewn Anchor Design within 13 Stars - WWII

With the anchor inside 13 stars in a circle on a blue field, this is a beautiful marine flag.

A Set of Six World War II and Pre- World War I Era Leather and Cloth Flight Helmets

This is an excellent selection of World War I and World War II flight helmets; four that are made of supple leather and two cloth inner helmets, one with a US Army Air Corps insignia on it. Two of the leather helmets date from the days of the open cockpit barnstormers and racers while the other two, darker brown leather helmets along with the two canvas ones are from the World War II era. This is a nice selection of wartime leather and cloth helmets.

A collection of (4) American Optical Aviator’s Goggles - in their original embossed “Aluminum Boxes”

These four sets of goggles made by the famous American Aviator Company were worn by pilots in World War II. There are four pairs of these historic goggles, one with extra lenses and two full sized aluminum cases with the American Optical name embossed on the front. These are excellent World War II pilot’s goggles in their wartime aluminum cases. en helmet has a rib at the top and Nazi police emblem decal at the left side.

Japanese Iwo Jima War Trophy Helmet captured by the 4th Us Marines with a ‘Japanese Captured Flag’ applied to it;
Many Battle honors painted on it including “ 4th USMC - Iwo Jima “

Many of the Marines who fought bravely on Iwo Jima brought back souvenirs or war trophies to the United States when they returned home. Most fought on in other campaigns and islands on their way to victory in Japan. These two captured Japanese helmets in this collection were taken by Marines from dead Japanese soldiers on Iwo Jima and painted to commemorate their battles.
This is an elaborately painted Japanese helmet, the helmet being brown in color with the Japanese national flag at the front with 'Iwo (anchor in the middle) Jima’ over ‘4th U.S. Marines' painted in red. The national flag appears to be a small cotton ‘capture flag' which has been varnished/applied to the surface of the helmet. Loved ones, friends or neighbors from home signed these small flags as the Japanese characters on this flag reveal and carried by Japanese soldiers into battle. They were taken from dead soldiers as war trophies by Marines; sometimes applied to helmets or other trophies like this helmet, essentially making this two war trophies in one. Around the helmet the Marine has noted his battles by painting ‘'Okinawa Philippines Shanghai Guam Formosa Kyushu Manus Ulithi Yap' in white lettering. The Marine has also painted his name (D. A. Oliver) inside the helmet where the original webbing is intact. This is a great display helmet and war trophy that has made its way all the way back home from Iwo Jima.
Exhibited: The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, New York, 1995-2007.
Provenance: The War Museum

The Ultimate Battle of Iwo Jima War Trophy Captured Japanese Helmet
Taken by Marines from a dead Japanese soldier on the island as a war trophy
Marine’s note on the front of the helmet “…taken off a dead soldier parts of scalp was still in helmet”

A beautiful police version of the pickelhaube helmet, this example has a great local police badge at the front and ornate and rare lion’s head chin anchors at each side. The bright brass ‘wappe’ badge has a rising sun above the coat of arms, all surrounded by a large laurel wreath. The pickelhaube helmet was adopted by many countries in Europe and even into South America. This sunburst style badge was used by Argentina and is still used today by Chile in their parade helmets.

An Archive of a World War II B-29 US Army Air Corps Navigator Lt. Dean Cover
Navigator on B-29 Raids over Tokyo – Photo of Kawasaki Plant being Bombed and Blown up by his B-29

A very interesting archive of material collected by this young B-29 navigator who took part on the famous bombing raids over Tokyo and the Kawasaki aircraft plant, this archive includes Lieutenant Dean Cover of Denver’s War Department identification card and flight logs. Included here are Cover’s training records from Texas and Oklahoma as well as high flight records from his service with the 20th Air Corps in the South Pacific in World War II. An actual aerial photograph of the bombing of the Kawasaki aircraft plant from Cover’s B-29, an Air Corps navigator’s map of the South Pacific and his 20th Air Corps shoulder patch is included as well as much more. Lieutenant Cover was onboard as a B-29 navigator when the daily bombing of Japan was in full force.
His pilot log book from Oklahoma is included here and there are many newspaper clippings from the period when 1st Lieutenant Covert served as a navigator on one of the B-29s that mercilessly bombed Tokyo and mainland Japan. Under the leadership of General Hap Arnold who signed a ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ given to Covert which is included as well, the 20th Air Corps, 871st Squadron, 497th Group, 73rd Wing of which Covert was a part, bombed Japan repeatedly. Lieutenant Covert took part in bombing raids from June 28, 1945 until August 1, 1945; just five days before Hiroshima.
One of the most important missions flown by Lieutenant Cover was mission number 252 on July 6, 1945. It was the daylight bombing of the Kawasaki aircraft plant at Akashi. His 73rd Bombardment Wing of the 20th Air Corps dropped a total of 983 tons of incendiary bombs on the targets with him as navigator aboard his B-29 (mission details below). Included in this archive is a combat aerial photograph of the bombing of the Kawasaki aircraft plant that day. It is stamped ‘Confidential’ and includes the coordinates of the bombing raid. Bombs from the B-29 can be seen exploding on the ground and fires burning. It is a dramatic combat photograph by a navigator who took part in the bombing of Japan. This is a significant and very interesting archive, historically important.

Major General’s M-1 Helmet from World War II

This very distinctive Major General’s M-1 helmet form World War II has the two silver stars of the rank of a major general on the front of the helmet. Although the identity of this two-star general, is unknown an important leader certainly would have worn this helmet during World War II. It has the swivel bale chinstrap loops and ball and latch component. Very rare Generals M-1 helmet.

World War II USAAF Musician’s M 1 Helmet painted Liner with ‘Harp’

Hand-Painted by the World War II United States Army Air Force soldier who wore it, this M-1 helmet liner is beautifully executed, no doubt by a soldier in a theatre of war. With a center white star of the USAAF at the front, the musical lyre symbol above it in yellow. The USAAF symbolic wings spread to each side, all painted in a bright yellow that has faded through time. This is a very unique painted helmet from World War II.

A Model 1917 ‘Doughboy’ World War I Helmet – 91st Division – from the Northwest Coast.

This is a beautiful Model 1917 Doughboy helmet, hand-painted by the soldier with the insignia of the 91st Infantry Division from World War I. The division was formed in Washington state and was known as the ‘Pine Tree’ Division as noted by the painted green tree at the front of this helmet. The 91st was a hard-fighting unit that fought at St. Mihiel in France in 1918 and in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive where it broke through the German lines. This Model 1917 helmet from this historic World War I division has a peace dove painted at the top of the helmet, obviously completed at the close of hostilities. The helmet has a slightly rusted patina and is missing half of the leather chinstrap but retains the worn leather padding.

A Very Special World War I Painted Model 1915 US Army Helmet
3rd Army, 4th Corps of the Allied Expeditionary Force

A one-of-a-kind US 3rd Army World War I helmet, this Model 1915 has been painted by its soldier owner with the 3rd Army ‘A’ insignia at the front. The 3rd Army was activated in 1918 in France by General John ‘Black Jack’ Pershing, leader of the American Expeditionary Forces, to charge into Germany and cross the Rhine River. This soldier was obviously part of IV Corps led by Major General Charles Muir as noted by the insignia to the right of the 3rd Army ‘A’ at the front.
There is much more art work this soldier has added to the helmet. A small painting of a boat crossing a river is on the right side, an obvious nod to the crossing of the Rhine, a milestone for the 3rd Army and especially IV Corps. The Maltese cross of Germany is painted at the back of the helmet signifying the soldier’s service in Germany. Not to be outdone is the beautiful American bald eagle painted on the left side, wings spread over an American flag. The helmet is in very good condition, the interior intact with chinstrap. This helmet is not only a historically important military artifact, but a glorious work of soldier art from World War I.

A World War II, Korean War Re-Issued United States Army M1 Helmet with a painted General’s ‘Gold Star’ on the liner

In excellent condition, this M-1, fixed bale World War II manufactured, Korean War (re-issue helmet liner) has its chinstrap and liner strap intact. The liner has a hand painted gold Brigadier General’s star painted at the front. It is an excellent, displayable generals helmet from the Korean War and complete in every way. Having a rough, medium green finish, there is stenciled lettering at the front that may identify the general upon further inspection.

US Army M-1 Helmet used by the Free French Forces during World War II

This US Army M-1 helmet with the hand painted white cross of Lorraine was actually airlifted by the American military and dropped by the hundreds to General de Gaulle’s Free French Army in the field, who in turn painted their symbol on it and wore it throughout the war. Manufactured by the McCord Company in the USA in 1941, this is an early model M – 1 made with fixed chinstrap loops the helmet is missing its liner. General De Gaulle’s Free French troops had very little in military accouterments much less weapons and were dependent upon their Allies to provide much needed supplies to fight and recapture France from the Nazi’s and over throw the Vichy Government. The Cross of Lorraine is hand painted on the front making this a very distinctive and ultra – rare allied usage of a US Army M-1 helmet.

Chinese Nationalist Revolutionary Army Helmet – A US Army M-1 Helmet - General Chiang Kai-shek

Chinese Nationalist Revolutionary Army Helmet – A US Army M-1 Helmet - General Chiang Kai-shek
This is a very interesting and historic Chinese Nationalist Revolutionary Army (NRA) helmet, which was actually made by the McCord Radiator Company in the United States as stamped inside the brim. These M-1 helmets were given to the American allies Chinese Nationalist X and Y Forces that were trained by the United States in the China, Burma and India theaters of war. It is missing its liner and a chinstrap bale. The white sun of the Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang party is painted on the front. Dating from 1942 to 1943, this is a unique helmet.

A Very Rare Chinese Nationalist “ Battle’ Flag (Kuomintang), led by General Chiang Kai-shek’s during World War II

A very rare and battle worn Nationalist Free Chinese, Kuomintang Army flag from World War II, General Chiang Kai-shek led the Free Chinese Army our allies during World War II and went on to form the government now known as Taiwan. Chiang’s relentless battles with the Japanese bogged down their forces and greatly aided the Allied war effort. This Nationalist battle flag still has the original rope lanyard and tassel and measures 43 x 68 inches wool muslin with an appliqued sewn white Nationalist star. Described as the ‘blue sky with white sun’ by its designer, Lu Hao-tung, a martyr of the Nationalist revolution, these flags are very rare survivors of General Chiang Kai-Shek’s Army from World War II it is the only example I have seen. The flag was in the collection of the noted War Museum with numerous battlefield repairs on the fly , this one saw battle

A Very Rare Chinese Nationalist Silk Parade Flag (Kuomintang), led by General Chiang Kai-shek’s during World War II

A very rare and beautiful silk Nationalist Chinese, Kuomintang Army flag from World War II, General Chiang Kai-shek led the forces during World War II and went on to form the government now known as Taiwan. Chiang’s relentless battles with the Japanese and the Communists Chinese bogged down their forces and greatly aided the Allied war effort. This Nationalist flag has a white hoist with original lanyard and tassel and measures 26 x 38 inches in beautiful silk with an appliqued white Nationalist star. Described as the ‘blue sky with white sun’ by its designer, Lu Hao-tung, a martyr of the Nationalist revolution, this silk flag is a very rare survivor of our Allies the Free Chinese Army from World War II it is the only example I have seen. The flag was in the collection of the noted War Museum and in near mint condition

An Attractive Chinese National Revolutionary Army Visor Hat from World War II

This khaki NRA visor hat from World War II is very similar to the American enlisted men’s hat from the same period. The hat has the prominent NRA cap badge at the front and a brown leather chinstrap. The gold buttons with the NRA emblem are a very attractive offset to this important Chinese hat from World War II. There is also a maker’s label inside the sweatband in Chinese, which dates this hat to the last year of the war 1945.

Chinese 8th Army Winter Field Cap from World War II – Fighting the Japanese

The white, padded cloth winter field cap was worn by a soldier from the 8th Route Chinese Army as they fought the Japanese in the late 1930s through World War II. The 8th Route Army was made up of Communists and not the ruling Kuomintang party led by General Chiang Kai-shek.
The 8th Army was an important component of the Chinese war effort in World War II as they had infiltrated behind Japanese lines in northern China and were hard for the Japanese to suppress due to the long distances the Japanese had to travel to supply their troops. This rare hat has the Chinese National Revolutionary Army cap badge on the front and a short brim. This is an important field cap from a Chinese fighting group that fought to repel the Japanese invasions.

A Very Rare British World War I MK-1 (Second Pattern ‘Cruise’) Helmet with Rare Anti-shrapnel Mask

The rarest example of the British Mk-1 Second Pattern ‘Cruise’ helmet from World War I with the shrapnel mask intact - very rare. They were produced in very limited numbers and most of the steel mesh visor designed to protect the soldier from shrapnel were removed during the war making them extremely rare, especially in this excellent condition. The spring operated visor is completely intact as well as the chinstrap. Designed by Captain Richard Cruise, they were used in 1917 at Messines where the troops soon found the chain mesh irritating so most removed them. Weighing almost three pounds, this fine example has the entire visor mechanism, oilcloth lining and even the padding at the top still in place.
Any military collection or museum, for that matter, any collector of militaria should consider this helmet due to its rarity alone. Very few are in private hands with an example being in the Imperial War Museum. The excellent condition makes it perfect for display.

A Rare British World War II Mk-2 Chemical Warfare Helmet

Chemical warfare was first introduced into battle during World War I. It called for new kinds of defense mechanisms for Allied troops including adapting helmets for use against gas attacks. This Mk-2 British helmet has been adapted for just such use. The steel helmet has a gas-proof fabric shroud attached around the rim of the helmet and around the back where it drops to a 14-inch drop which covers the neck. This would have been used in conjunction with a gas mask to protect the soldier from gas attacks launched by the Germans in the trenches. This is a very rare example of one of the first devices used to combat chemical warfare.

A Pair of Silver –Plated ‘PAIFORCE’ Drinking Cups from World War II
Indian, British and Iraqi Forces

The Allied Indian/Persian forces that fought with the British in World War II were originally called the ‘Sabine Force’. After the Allies liberated Iraq, the Indian forces were combined with the Persian (Iraqi) forces to form the PAIFORCE. These silver plate over brass 1 7/8 inch tall cups are a souvenir from the World War II regiment. They have an elephant’s head engraved above ‘PAIFORCE’ and the years ‘1942-1945’.
PAIFORCE was formed in Baghdad on September 15, 1942 with General Sir Henry Maitland in command. The force was designed to protect the Persian frontier from German invasion and fought through the Middle East throughout the war. It included the 4th Indian Division which, given the elephant design, was probably the source for these interesting cups. They are in good condition but have obviously been used in the field. Handcrafted and very individual, they are a rare set of teacups from a historic regiment in World War II.

Soviet Infantry General’s Visor Hat – Made for the Victory Celebration at the End of World War II

The Soviet Army and Russian people, all of whom had suffered greatly at the hands of the Germans during World War II, celebrated in great fashion upon the defeat of the Nazis and fall of Berlin. Great parades were held all over the country, especially in Red Square in Moscow. The Soviet Generals were awarded new and elaborate uniforms for the massive parades and this Soviet General’s visor hat was a witness to those parades, owned and worn by a victorious Soviet Infantry General.
First issued in June 1945, this General’s hat is green with a red band and the Soviet badge at the front. It has the elaborate general officer’s embroidery on the band and a gold chinstrap. This is a very important General’s hat worn in Red Square after World War II in 1945.

Model 1940 Soviet Army Officer’s Pilot Side Cap

With red piping at the top of the crown and at each of the two side folds, this Model 1940 Soviet Army Pilot Officer’s side cap has the red star, hammer and sickle at the front superimposed on a black felt star. The interior of this wool hat has a two inch sweatband and a cloth liner with ‘лк9’ or ‘LK9’ in Latin script stamped and ‘сп /4ш’ or ‘SP/4Zh’ in Latin letters, all representing the size of the cap and designation of type cap. This is a rarely seen World War II Red Army Air Corps pilot’s cap and it is in excellent condition.

A French World War I Veteran’s Helmet – French Foreign Legion
‘Soldier of the Great War’ Presentation – Colonial Infantry

‘Soldier of the Great War’ Presentation – Colonial Infantry
This French Model 1915 ‘Adrian’ helmet has the ornate brass veteran’s plate on the entire visor with the inscription ‘SOLDAT DE LA GRANDE GUERRE 1914-1918’ (Soldier of the Great War) on a central plaque. Just above the visor is a large brass anchor insignia which signifies that this soldier was a member of the Colonial Infantry, making this helmet very rare. These helmets were issued to veterans of World War I in appreciation for their service. The veterans would wear these in parades commemorating their victories in the war. Although missing its liner, the helmet has an even green patina, the distinctive rib across the top and a leather chinstrap across the visor. This is a historic and rare helmet.

Two French Foreign Legion Medals for Service in Indochina – War in Indochina Medal (Pre-Vietnam - Battle of Dien Bien Phu) and Cross for Foreign Theater Operations

The French Army fought many wars overseas after World War II with their famous ‘Foreign Legion’, most in colonies or soon-to-be independent countries. Indochina was a hotbed of resistance and these two medals are from that era when the French Foreign Legion was fighting the forces of Ho Chi Minh in what was then called French Indochina. This was the prelude to the United States involvement in the area when US forces engaged North Vietnamese and Viet Cong armies in Vietnam.
The first medal is the unique Commemorative Medal for the Indochina Campaign instituted in 1953 and awarded to French Foreign Legion troops who had served at least three months in that theatre of war between August 1945 and July 1954. The bronze medal with a dragon at the point where it connects to the yellow and green ribbon signifies the Indochina service. The medal has a central three-headed elephant (erarwan) above a seven-headed cobra below the word ‘INDOCHINE’. On the reverse of this round medal is ‘CORPS EXPEDITIONNAIRE FRANCAIS D’EXTREME-ORIENT’, or ‘French Expeditionary Corps of the Far East’.
The second medal is the famous French Croix de guerre des théâtres d'opérations extérieures (War Cross for Foreign Operational Theaters). Awarded for combat in Indochina, the Cross was instituted for foreign combat after World War I when French Foreign Legion soldiers fought in the Middle East and Indochina – or wherever they were called upon to serve their country. The bronze medal has the effigy of the symbol of the French republic, Marianne, at the center of the pattee cross with two crossed swords. On the reverse is the inscription ‘THEATRES D-OPERATIONS EXTERIEURS’. The medal is supported by a red and white silk ribbon which has some fading.
These two medals are excellent examples of French Foreign Legion awards for gallantry in the same region where the United States would later engage the Viet Cong.

A French model 1915 Chasseur’s Helmet from World War I, North Africa - French Foreign Legion

The badge of the Chasseurs is rare to find on the French Model 1915 helmets from World War I. The Chasseurs were rapid action infantry and assigned to North Africa, in this case as noted by the green paint, much of which has worn off to reveal the original blue-gray underneath. The Chasseur insignia with the French Republic ‘RF’ inside the infantry horn is at the front of this rare helmet. This helmet is complete with the oilcloth liner and brown leather chinstrap which is above the visor. Although this Chasseur helmet has seen much use, it is a rare survivor from World War I and is an excellent addition to any collection.

A Very Rare French World War I ‘Air Force’ Helmet

The French actually had the largest air force at the beginning of World War I. Surviving examples of their headgear are very rare. This is a World War I Adrian style helmet with the rare Air Corps winged insignia at the front. Consisting of the ‘RF’ French Republic letters above a pair of wings with a center star, the insignia is a metal badge attached to the front of this medium green helmet. In very good condition considering its age, the helmet still has its oilcloth liner and leather chinstrap over the front visor attached to the fixed bales of the helmet. This is a beautiful and rare helmet, a must for any important collection.

A French Infantry Kepi Circa 1900 - WW II – French Foreign Legion

Although used in the Indo-China Theatre of war in World War II, this attractive French kepi was made circa 1900. With the bullion anchor at the front signifying Foreign Legion, the black wool kepi has a fine gold ribbon around the top of the crown and another inside at the top of the crown. The gold ribbon chinstrap above the visor is attached at each side by gold anchor buttons. The interior of the kepi is a beautiful red silk lining with a pebbled leather black sweatband.

M-26 Adrian Helmet of the ‘1st Free French’ Division WW II

The Free French Division in World War II was the first and largest division of free fighting French in World War II led by General Charles de Gaulle. They fought early on the war with the British forces in the Levant to free it from German control and in North Africa under Montgomery at Bir Hakeim and El Alamein against Rommel. The 1st Free French also served in the Sicilian Campaign and later landed in southern France in 1944 to take part in the liberation of their own country not only from the Nazi’s but the Vichy French government led by Petain as well. An excellent showpiece the leather chinstrap is in place above the visor and the central leather webbing inside the helmet is in excellent condition.

Personal Guard of Vichy Marshal Philippe Petain
Very Rare Tank Crew Helmet WWII

The ‘Francisque’ Insignia on Front, Petain’s Personal Badge if the Vichy Government
Marshall Philippe Pétain was an enigmatic figure in French history, undoubtedly one of the most important leaders in French history. This M-35 tank crew helmet was used by a member of Petain’s personal guard. The Francisque insignia at the front is his personal emblem and examples are very rare. Officially, the Vichy government was deprived of tanks and other armored vehicles but the symbolism of having his own army was important to Petain who was the leader of the French Vichy government during World War II. The Vichy government collaborated with the Nazis and sent thousands of people to their death in the concentration camps. Petain was tried and sentenced to death at the close of the war but De Gaulle commuted his sentence to life in prison where he died shortly thereafter.

A Very Rare World War II French Model 39 Naval Helmet and Luchaire Gas Mask –
Used by Marshall Petain’s Forces and DeGaulle’s Free French

This is a very rare Free French/Marshall Petain Model 39 French Navy helmet equipped with the Luchaire gas mask. The Model 1939 helmet was developed at the outbreak of World War II and was used by both sides; Petain’s forces that were allied with Hitler and what remained to fight them – the Free French.
The blue-gray helmet is in excellent condition with its heavy, wide sweatband and oilcloth liner intact. The helmet is fitted with a slot at the front where the top of the Luchaire mask is fitted. The hose which is present here is then screwed onto the top of the mask to run over the top where it meets the large filter cylinder (also included). The mask has a webbed cloth netting which is worn under the Model 1939 helmet. This is a rare find and would be appropriate for important collection.

A World War I French Oilcloth ‘Adrian’ Parade Helmet with Brass Lion Insignia

Made with fine brown oilcloth throughout, this brown French parade helmet boasts an impressive metal lion device attached to the front. The top has a ribbed crown across the top from front to back. An oilcloth chinstrap is above the visor making this an economical, yet attractive parade visor. The interior has leather, webbed liner which is in very good condition making this parade helmet a rare find.

A Very Rare White Russian Order of Saint Nicholas Thaumaturgus Medal

Issued to White Russian soldiers, who fought for the Imperial Army against the Bolsheviks The Russian ‘White Army’ or Белая Армия in Russian, lost a four-year war against the Bolshevik forces that had overthrown Czar Nicholas II. They fought bravely from the start of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 until their defeat in 1921. Although supported by the West, including the United States and Great Britain, the White Army was disorganized and suffered from poor leadership. After their defeat their numbers emigrated to middle Europe, Shanghai and the United States setting up anti-Communist networks, which last until today.
This is a very rare bronze Order of Saint Nicholas Thaumaturgus medal, which was awarded to White Army soldiers starting in 1920. Saint Nicholas was the patron saint of the White Army. Instituted by the White army Commander-in-Chief General Pyotor Wrangel, it was meant to replace the Imperial Army highest award, the Order of Saint George, the patron saint of the Imperial Army, which no longer existed. Although the ribbon has faded through time, its red, white and blue three-inch tall ribbon still supports the medal at the base which is formed into a one and half inch Maltese cross that bears the image of Saint Nicholas at the center in silver with a blue enamel background. Inside a wreath in a circle are the Cyrillic words ‘Russia Will Be Saved Through Faith’ (‘Veroyu spasetsya Rossiya’ in Russian).
The reverse of this rare Russian White Army medal has the date of issuance, ‘April 30 1920’ (20 апреля 1920) on a white, blue and red enamel disk at the center of a laurel wreath. The original double pin-back is present on the reverse of the ribbon making this medal even rarer. Very few of these medals have survived the struggle of these anti-Bolsheviks, the White Army of Russia whose descendants live all over the world.

A 1967 Russian High Altitude /Early Astronaut GSh-6 (Germoshelm 6) Helmet in its Original Box with complete Flight Helmet Gear and Original Box

Used in the early Russian space program and when flying at extremely high altitudes, this GSh-6 (Germoshelm 6) high-altitude helmet and accessories is rare to find in this complete and excellent condition. This is the complete helmet with retractable inner sun visor and the locking ring worn at the pilot’s neck with the latex dam that fits snugly onto the pilot’s upper body. The helmet set includes the inner helmet with microphone assembly and connector soft cloth inner cap.
Soviet pilots would be able to lift the visor of this helmet when not in high altitude flight. The set comes with its original green wooden, round box which has the Soviet black metal flight label attached. It reads in Cyrillic:
GM Size (гш размер) 26 Product (изделие) number 0411422
GS – Size, Product number (гш размер изделие) 1163328
Cervical valve 2 (шейного клапана 2) Size headset (Размер шлемофона дата) Manufacture date (изготова 11 86)
This is an amazing Cold War early astronaut/high altitude pilot’s helmet and accessories from the Cold War. They are quite rare, especially in their original box and in complete, excellent condition.