NAMED WORLD WAR ONE CAMMO PAINTED HELMET WITH TUNIC - MATCHING INSIGNIA

$895.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 224-245

This small group of World War One items is named to Sergeant Edward M. Burke. More research can be done by the next owner to uncover the details of Sergeant Burke’s service. Suffice it to say the helmet and tunic tells us that he served in France.

The helmet is an American made Model 1917 with a full liner and chinstrap in good to excellent condition.

The outer surface of the helmet has a camouflaged pattern of dark brown, light and dark green, royal blue, black, okra and pinkish tan. All colors are separated by heavy black lines. Paint has some minor chips but is 95% intact.

At front is an unknown unit insignia thought to be related to Headquarters of the 1st Infantry Division. The insignia consists of a black diamond with a thin white border that meas. approx. 4.25 inches tall x 2.50 inches wide. At center of the diamond is a white number “1” approx. 1.50 inches high. Superimposed over the number is a yellow “H.” This central device is flanked by the letter “A” on the left and “R” on the right. Both are done in red paint. Above the diamond in white are the letters “A. E. F” for American Expeditionary Force. (It is also possible that the insignia may represent Headquarters of some kind of a Railroad unit. The AEF Railroad units used diamonds with an “R” at center and colored backgrounds to denote battalions. Black being for headquarters. In this case the number “1” maybe substituted for the usual letter “R.” More research is needed.)

The chinstrap of the helmet is complete and written on it in period ink is “SGT. EDWARD M. BURKE.” The oilcloth lining shows some light wear but is very good. Most of the net and pad remain in crown along with half of the tag. The underside rim of the helmet is marked “B  488 / AEF.” There are also some other stray markings or numbers. Very nice looking helmet in excellent condition.

With the helmet is a Government issued OD green wool tunic. Tunic has all its buttons and minor scattered moth bites. Nothing major. Collar has one of the two hooks and both eyes. Attached to the collar are “US” and “H” collar discs. The latter is a Headquarters disc. Left shoulder sleeve has a very nice multi-piece patch to match the insignia on the helmet. Patch consists of a circular black wool base with a gold thread embroidered “H” at center with a number “1” made of ribbed gold tape superimposed over it. This central device is flanked by a red “A” and “R” done in thread. Left cuff has a single gold overseas chevron representing at least 6 months service in France. Right sleeve is devoid of any rank or insignia of any kind.

The interior lining is an OD green cotton with a maker’s label sewn under the lining that reads “PHILA. DEPOT / Q. M. CORPS /U. S. ARMY.” Since most of these tunics are new ones issued for the men to come home in there is very little wear to the inside lining. Even though the tunic lacks Sergeant stripes there is little doubt that the tunic is Sergeant Burke’s. The insignia on the helmet and tunic is not often seen and to marry a matching helmet and tunic together would take a LONG time.

A very nice set that is worthy of more research.   [ad]

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