Bohemia & Moravia, Protectorate. A Municipal Police Officer-Grade Felt Helmet, By Jan Malina

An extremely well-preserved officer-grade Municipal Police felt helmet, constructed of a sturdy black pressed composite fibre. The shell features two gilded bronze crossbars which meet in the middle in the centre of the crown, and connect at all four ends to a band of identical construction set around the lower shell. Pinned onto the peak of the helmet is an insignia consisting of a central gilded Protectorate coat of arms, within a circular linden leaf wreath. Beneath the insignia is a stylized banner with an arabesque design. It is flanked on each side by three gilded bronze pips, and with a single raised lion’s head medallion which secures in place a decorative two-piece gilded bronze chinstrap. The chinstrap rests upon a protruding frontal visor and features intricate stamped designs. Completing the exterior features is a gilded bronze band which fully lines the circumference of the rim. The interior features a brown leather sweatband measuring 45 mm in width, and secured in place with machine stitching. Stamped onto the sweatband is a maker’s mark of “JAN MALINA, PRAHA-ŽIŽKOP”. It measures 190 mm (w) x 270 mm (l) x 150 mm (h). Some issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include minor oxidation of the bronze features, soiling of the fibre, and slight tearing of the sweatband. The helmet is in an overall better than very fine condition.

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