Germany, NSKK. A Crash Helmet, First Pattern

(Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps Motorrad Sturzhelm). A well-preserved Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps (National Socialist Motor Corps/NSKK) crash helmet, constructed of boiled and blackened leather shell. The helmet features a padded black leather comb extending across the crown, with an additional tube of identical construction surrounding the rim. It is flanked on each side by three ventilation holes, all reinforced with magnetic metal eyelets. Riveted to the peak is a first pattern NSKK-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, constructed of blackened and silvered bronze and measuring 110 mm (w) x 90 mm (h) as presented. The exterior features are completed with a narrow, sloping visor similarly constructed of blackened leather. Descending from the interior rim is a blackened leather neck guard featuring hidden earpieces for functionality during wear. When not in use, the flap neatly rolls up and secures in place. The interior also retains an intact brown leather liner culminating in nine fingers, each perforated at the top with an eyelet through which is looped an original drawstring. Stamped onto one of the fingers is a black ink size mark of “55”. Otherwise unmarked, the helmet measures approximately 21 cm (w) x 24 cm (w) x 14 cm (h). Material fatigue consistent with age and wear are evident throughout, but the helmet is free of damage or postwar alteration and is a superb period example in near extremely fine condition.