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Gardnerville · Nevada
© NGA
— An auction house by Witherell —
Lot 284
WWI U.S. M1917 Steel “Doughboy” Helmet with Uncle Sam Bomb Motif
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 |
U.S. Model 1917 steel helmet (“doughboy”) retaining a classic wartime form with rolled edge and shallow dome. The exterior features a circular painted insignia depicting Uncle Sam riding an aerial bomb—an interesting piece of trench art-style decoration likely referencing aviation or bombardment units of the American Expeditionary Forces.
Dimensions: 4.25 h x 12.25 d x 11.25 w in.
Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Gardnerville, NV. FedEx shipping within the continental U.S.: $50 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined shipping available.
Condition
Original steel shell with period-painted insignia. Surface shows moderate oxidation, pitting, and wear consistent with age and field use. Painted roundel featuring Uncle Sam seated on an aerial bomb exhibits notable paint loss and surface degradation but remains clearly visible. Interior liner present and in better-than-average condition for type, with intact oilcloth pads and functional chinstrap. The helmet retains its original interior liner system and chinstrap. Shell is stamped “ZAO,” consistent with wartime production markings. Overall honest wear with strong display presence.
Overall Dimensions
Height: 4.25
Width: 12.25
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
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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
Historic American firearms, militaria, and edged weapons — catalogued by specialists, sold in the room.