Germany, NSKK. A National Socialist Motor Corps (NSKK) Crash Helmet, by Carl Busse

(NSKK Sturzhelm). A very well-preserved National Socialist Motor Corps (NSKK) crash helmet, constructed of a boiled blackened leather shell. It bears protective reinforced leather bands, with one extending over the crown from front to back, and another around the rim of the helmet. The peak bears an aluminum insignia in the form of a second pattern NSKK-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, topped by a banner bearing raised initials “NSKK” on a blackened background. The exterior features are completed by a protruding blackened leather frontal visor. The interior features a brown leather chinstrap, one end bearing a functional magnetic metal buckle, with the other end perforated by seven holes, allowing for an adjustable fit. Each chinstrap features additional leather crescent adornments with reverse slits, providing ear protection without compromising functionality. The reverse also bears a brown leather neck protector, which can be rolled back into the interior when not in use. A brown leather sweatband is securely held in place by machine stitching, bearing nine integrated fingers, each perforated with a hole through which is looped a drawstring. The interior crown bears a black ink maker’s mark of “BUSSE, MAINZ”, for the firm of Carl Busse, with a size stamp of “57”. Additionally, both the sweatband and crown bear a handwritten owner’s name of “G. HOLZAPFEL”. The helmet measures approximately 190 mm (w) x 250 mm (l) x 155 mm (h). Age-appropriate material fatigue is evident to the leather elements, and there is some oxidation of the eagle insignia. The helmet is in an overall better than very fine condition.