Original U.S. WWII 10 Civilian Defense Helmets with Suspension in Original 1942-Dated Box for Pottsville Armory, Pennsylvania

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is an interesting set to find in the original box. This heavily tattered and rough box contains ten steel civilian defense helmets complete with suspension which were delivered to the Pottsville Armory in Pottsville, Pennsylvania in 1942-1943. The side of the crate reads:

FROM COLUMBIAN ENAMELING & STAMPING CO. INC.
TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA
U.S. 
TO: JOSEPH J. POST
POTTSVILLE ARMORY
POTTSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA
10 HELMETS
STEEL, CIVILIAN DEFENSE, COMPLETE WITH SUSPENSION
STOCK NO. 74-H-105
WEIGHT 30 ¼ LBS.
J.M.Q.D. 10-15-42
P.O. W-431-QM-10252-01-3945

The box is in very poor condition and the bottom has fallen out, but all ten helmets are retained with the separators. The helmets themselves are all in varying condition but all retain their suspension and chinstrap which uses a snap to connect to the other bale. The suspensions have a small front sweatband and interesting commercial liner systems. 

Also in the box was a Service Warden Corps of US Citizen’s Service Corps weekly newsletter No. 6, dated January 2nd, 1943. The box measures roughly 15 x 29 x 19” but it is difficult to measure due to its deterioration and slumping. 

An outstanding set, ready for further research and display.