December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 188:
Description
Vietnam War Era North Vietnamese Army NVA Green Pith Helmet with Insignia
This lot features an exceptional and well-preserved example of an original Vietnam War Era North Vietnamese Army NVA Green Pith Helmet or M_ C_i, used by soldiers of the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces.
The helmet is constructed from compressed cork or pith material covered in a durable olive green canvas or cloth exterior, chosen for its excellent heat-insulating properties vital for the tropical environment. The helmet features a wide brim and a high, domed crown with several metal ventilation grommets along the sides. Attached to the front crown is a bright, original enameled metal insignia featuring the yellow star of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on a red field surrounded by a wreath, confirming its NVA/Viet Cong origin.
The exterior of the helmet shows light, honest field wear and discoloration. The interior is a key feature of this specific helmet. The underside of the brim retains a dark green lacquered finish which shows cracking and peeling, revealing the cork material beneath. The helmet retains its internal canvas web suspension system and leather sweatband, which are secured by rivets. Beneath the crown suspension system, the remains of an original paper label bearing Vietnamese text and a red star motif are visible, indicating its NVA provenance. The helmet is complete with its original brown leather chinstrap affixed via rivets and a metal buckle, which is aged and cracked but intact.
This NVA pith helmet is a premium historical artifact, valued for its original complete state, the presence of the bright metal insignia, and the rare survival of the internal paper labeling.
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