M42 Heer - An interesting example with some provenance and net

[relicz]

I acquired this one a little while ago from a picker who purchased it out of the veteran’s estate. Fortunately, the picker recorded and saved all the provenance available as well as contact info for the family.

This helmet was brought back by Fred Knittle who served as a machine gunner in the US Army. I do not know in which unit and have not tried contacting his family. Fred passed on New Year’s Day 2009. This gentleman was quite a character and seems to have lived a very full life and enjoyed his passions right up till the end. I’ve posted some pretty amazing links to more about Fred at the end of the thread. Well worth the time to peruse, some of the links are quite interesting and entertaining (IMO).

“In World War II, he served with the U.S. Army Infantry in North Africa and Italy and then, after the War ended in Europe, with the Combat Engineers in the Philippine Islands with the U.S. Army Occupation Forces in Japan”.

About the helmet:
M42 CKL 66
Lot # 23021
Named to “LEHMANN”
Liner Band – DRP 1943 SCHUBERTH-WERK K.-G. BRANSCHWEIG
Dome stamp
Battle damaged with an entrance and exit in crown with some minor blood evidence near exit and on veil
It has remains of a net that looks like it was used for camouflage or a sniper veil
Net is wired to liner spring bands with galvanized wire
















































Links to Fred’s obituary and YouTube videos:

Young at Heart Chorus | Fred Knittle, Fondly Remembered

Young at Heart Chorus | A tribute to Fred Knittle, a fine performer and even better man.

'Young@Heart' singer dies at age 83 - USATODAY.com

http://www.youtube.com/v/CjnfoFg7i7g

Young@Heart - Stayin' Alive - YouTube

[timothy]

Interesting battle damage or bullet strike looks to me like injury to wearer liner top toung fingers look stained to me. I like the battle damaged I have a couple. timothy

[cricketchris1944]

I really like this helmet.
Good pick-up.
chris

[slados28]

Nice one.... greeeat character piece!!

[Danmark]

The net looks British or American to me ........?

[Lidman]

Mighty nice BD Heer lid with provenance John
Super pick up mate.

Brad.

[Wagriff]

I'm thinking that Lehmann did Not have a happy retirement after the war's end....

[FALLSCHIRMJAGER]

Hi , that's a fantastic battle damaged M42 HEER helmet you have there. Nice to see original pieces of wire attachments and net too. The history that goes with this one makes it extra special , great buy!! Leon.

[helmet2id]

Great helmet, but a GREATER MAN!!!! This guy must have been a TRIP! I wish I could have met him. Jim G.

[DougB]

Just excellent JB! Love the offset decal and British net! Bring that one to St. Loo in June!