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Gardnerville · Nevada
© NGA
— An auction house by Witherell —
Lot 282
WWI U.S. M1917 Steel “Doughboy” Helmet with Hand-Painted 213th Aero Squadron Insignia
Estimate: $500 - $1,000
Starting Bid
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $100 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
A World War I U.S. M1917 steel “doughboy” helmet of Brodie pattern, featuring what appears to be a period hand-painted insignia identified to the 213th Aero Squadron, a United States Army Air Service pursuit (fighter) unit active on the Western Front in 1918.
The helmet retains its original form with shallow dome and wide brim, along with a surviving interior liner system including netted crown and leather band. The partially intact instruction label reading “Tighten cord and adjust net to fit the head” remains visible. Interior markings include a stamped code “ZF 53,” consistent with American wartime manufacture, along with a faint boxed stencil including the number “24.”
The exterior artwork depicts a stylized Native American profile with feather, accompanied by the designation “213th Aero,” consistent with known personalized unit insignia practices of American air service personnel during the war. The 213th Aero Squadron served as part of the 3rd Pursuit Group, conducting escort, strafing, and aerial combat missions during major offensives including the Meuse-Argonne.
Dimensions: 11.25 x 12.25 x 4.25 in. high
Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Gardnerville, NV. FedEx shipping within the continental U.S.: $40 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined shipping available.
Condition
Original steel helmet with surface wear, oxidation, and patina consistent with age. Exterior retains a period hand-painted insignia showing expected wear but remaining clear and legible. Interior liner present with fraying netting, wear to the leather band, and partial loss to the paper instruction label. Chinstrap present with age-related wear. Overall complete and displayable.
Overall Dimensions
Height: 4.25
Width: 12.25
Depth: 11.25
Weight: 2.00 lbs
- Modern Firearms — Nevada Gun Auctions will facilitate transfers of modern firearms manufactured from 1899 to the present to buyers holding a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) or a Collector of Curios & Relics License (C&R). All transfers to non-license holders will be conducted exclusively through Guns N Ammo, 1321 Hwy 395 #A, Gardnerville, NV 89410. Registration and transfer costs are as follows:
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- 2–4 firearms: $50 each
- 5–9 firearms: $25 each
- 10 or more firearms: $15 each
Shipping costs within the continental United States generally range:
- Handguns: $35–40 each
- Long guns: $75–100 each
All private-party purchases of modern firearms will be delivered to Guns N Ammo as soon as possible following Nevada Gun Auctions’ receipt of payment in full.
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- Shipping — All Nevada Gun Auctions shipments are sent via FedEx with adult signature required and insured for 1.5% of the purchase price unless waived in writing. Shipping costs for each lot are published within the lot description. Handguns are required by law to ship via FedEx 2Day Air.
The Collection of Marshall Caskey Esq.
Nevada Gun
Auctions By Witherell
Auctions By Witherell
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