Chris Pittman

That's an interesting and attractive little medal, though the quality does not seem very high. Assuming this is original, I would guess it to be some kind of patriotic token from 1916-1918, rather than an actual award. Perhaps intended as a souvenir or similar.

Thanks for the kind words!

A great start! I enjoy these awards very much, I think the War Merit Medal has a very pleasing design.

Thanks for posting that, very nice. I believe the type with the enameled RLB is the earlier type.

Very nice plaque Leigh, thanks for posting it!

Last photo. If anyone else has any of these I would love to see photos!

Tax stamp

Top view

This one is a little more ornate, for the "Tafelmusik" brand. The closure is a little metal clasp shaped like a hand.

Another view

Here is a look at the tax stamp

I have two of these little wooden cigar boxes. Both of them have Third Reich tax stamps and I believe both were brought back by US veterans. I imagine that these would have been ideal containers for other veteran souvenirs and I wonder about the history of these things. They are not the most exciting or glamorous collectibles but they appeal to me and I enjoy them a lot. This first one is for the "Gungir" brand.

Amazing stuff, and great photos!

Thanks for the suggestions. I suppose one could speculate endlessly. I had also wondered if the letter might have been used so that the soldier could quickly identify his helmets at a duty station. Chris

Amazing collection, I love it! Lots of history there.

Last photo. There is a name in the liner that has been inked out and another name penned in. I welcome any comments on this item.

I notice that the seam in the liner is not in the usual position The liner rivets have all their washers, it is possible that the liner has been out at some point but I can't be sure.

Here is the stamp inside the shell

Decal close-up

The paint shows age and patina, it looks like it has been there forever.

Here is the other side with the painted letter.

I have had this Luftwaffe helmet for a few years. It is a single decal M40 marked ET66. The helmet has an "S" painted on the side opposite the decal. The letter is painted with the type of white paint often used to paint names inside helmets. Does anybody have any ideas what this painted "S" might indicate? The helmet is also named with ink in the liner, though this is illegible.

Here is some information on Norwegian reworked German helmets: http://www.nyc-techwriters.com/militaria/n...ian_helmets.htm I have seen these in different colors ranging from a light green to a greenish brown. The reddish color of the liner and chinstrap also makes me think this is an original German helmet that saw service in Norway after the war. This is just what I am seeing on my monitor, perhaps I would have a different opinion if I saw your helmet in person. Chris

Lat photo. The cap has a sewn-in name tag and a unit stamp that is hard to decipher. J.R. 55 or 56?

The maker mark has become faint from wear. The safety pin has absolutely been there forever!