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DAY 2: The World at War: A Historic WW1 & WW2 Militaria Auction

Sun, Jul 19, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-07-19 11:00:00 2026-07-19 11:00:00 America/New_York Treasure Trove Treasure Trove : DAY 2: The World at War: A Historic WW1 & WW2 Militaria Auction https://live.treasuretroveauctions.com/auctions/treasure-trove/day-2-the-world-at-war-a-historic-ww1-ww2-militaria-auction-23507
Treasure Trove Auctions proudly presents Day 2 of our premier militaria event—an explosive offering centered on the most iconic conflicts of the modern era. Featuring a massive selection of rare and highly sought-after World War II artifacts, alongside an exceptional offering of scarce World War I material and compelling post-war militaria, this is a must-see event for serious collectors. From battlefield relics to elite combat collectibles, we deliver exceptional history at every turn. Now is your opportunity to acquire artifacts from some of the most defining eras in human conflicts!
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Lot 831

U.S. WW1 M1918 Helmet w/ R.H. Long Liner - Rare Lightning Division

Starting Bid
$100

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$100 $50
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000

This outstanding U.S. World War I Model 1918 helmet is an exceptional combat-used example retaining its original R.H. Long liner, a surviving portion of its original chinstrap, and a beautifully preserved hand-painted 78th Infantry Division "Lightning Division" insignia. The shell exhibits the honest wear expected of a helmet that has endured more than a century, while the striking divisional insignia remains remarkably vibrant and highly visible, creating outstanding display appeal. The interior retains what appears to be its original liner, with the internal webbing having separated from the shell over time but remaining present with the helmet, an increasingly common occurrence among original World War I examples. The surviving chinstrap fragment further contributes to the helmet's untouched period character and authenticity.

The 78th Infantry Division, famously known as the "Lightning Division," was organized at Camp Dix, New Jersey, in 1917 and saw distinguished service with the American Expeditionary Forces during the final offensives of the First World War. Its iconic insignia, a white lightning bolt crossing a crimson semicircle, became one of the most recognizable divisional emblems of the American Expeditionary Forces. The division participated in the St. Mihiel Offensive, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, and the Lorraine Campaign, earning a reputation for aggressive combat service as Allied forces drove toward victory in the closing months of the war. Helmets retaining original painted divisional insignia are among the most sought-after pieces of American World War I militaria, as many were repainted, stripped, or lost over the decades.

Original World War I helmets bearing authentic divisional insignia have become increasingly scarce, particularly examples associated with famous combat formations such as the Lightning Division. With its honest battlefield wear, surviving R.H. Long liner, remaining chinstrap, and wonderfully preserved divisional emblem, this helmet is an outstanding artifact of America's role in the Great War. It is a highly displayable and historically significant centerpiece for any advanced collection of U.S. military helmets, American Expeditionary Forces memorabilia, or First World War artifacts.

★ ★
Honest Wear or As Found - Standard Wear, medium to heavy use, or other wear/patina that adds to the item’s character and authenticity. Typically the state of most Antiques and Antiquities. Also refers to militaria that has seen extensive field wear with lots of character, often desired by collectors and referred to as “salty”. For Antiquities, ground or river finds may be labelled As Found which means they are Untouched, uncleaned, and in original condition from discovery. Any state of Amateur or Professional Restoration or Preservation will be noted.
Condition assessed using Treasure Trove Auctions’ proprietary grading scale. While we strive for accuracy, all ratings are subjective and based on our best evaluation as determined by a dedicated team of researchers, from expert appraisers to knowledgeable historians and veteran collectors. Full grading details can be found on our Authentication page for reference. For a more in-depth condition report or additional images, please contact us and we will be more than happy to oblige.

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