Cool Military Barn Finds

[Bailey Guns]

My neighbor let me rummage thru his barn this afternoon. I could've spent a week in there, American Picker's style! Lots of neat stuff.

But, I came away with a few things I thought were interesting. Anyone know what the flag emblem means?


Old ammo boxes






A WWII German Luftwaffe helmet. I think it's an M35 but I don't know for sure. It's not in great shape but it's still cool.

[StagLefty]

That is so cool !!!! I know what you mean about spending a lot of time in a place like that. I love WWII relics.

[rondog]

Wow, so jelly!!! Does he have more, and is selling?

[rondog]

Well shit, you're in Oklahoma now.....nm.

[CS1983]

Flag emblem? I assume you mean the crossed cannons and the grenade. Ordnance Corps symbols.

more info on the helmet and history of the various symbols: https://alexanderandsonsrestorations...lmet-insignia/

Pairs best with m2 ball.

[Bailey Guns]

No need for the application of M2 ball. I think the threat is terminated.

I know what the US Ordnance Corps emblems are...I just didn't make it clear what I was talking about in the OP. I meant the national colors on the helmet. Just wondering if it had any significance to a particular unit. But, that was a great website...lots of interesting info and confirms to me (at least I think so) that this is what is referred to as an M35 (or double decal) helmet from the 1935 - 1937 time frame.

Pretty interesting stuff.

[flogger]

Japanese 'Good Luck' flag, silk, 29"x 20". A popular GI bring back from WW2.

Actually picked up years ago at a flea market but never really did any research on it. These things were very personal to each soldier as they were signed by his family members, teachers and friends with wishes of victory and a safe return. There are a few good youtube videos describing several different types of flags and giving some translation. The longest video is the best if your interested. There are some interesting examples with curses to the ememy and prayers for famine and plague upon them!

As we know, many of these 'good luck' flags didn't work out real well for the holder. Hundreds of thousands died and many are considered dead but never buried, never found. These flags are a direct connection to a Japanese soldier, it (supposedly) has his name, the town/province he came from and more.

I have no love lost for Japanese soldiers during WW-2, many proved they were animals.

But.... they have a place in Japan that will try to connect the flag with the family of the soldier it belonged to. Hundreds of flags have been returned to the family with some touching ceremonies. I might do that.

Anyone read Japanese?

[Bailey Guns]

History is important. Even the things we find abhorrent. I have a few pieces of German military history with SS symbols and others. What they did is unconscionable... But a simple relic doesn't know that. I think the flag is cool and appreciate you posting about it.

[flogger]

Fortunate enough to get some original artwork from the estate of a Martin Marietta Illustrator.



Original painting, 13" x 10"

[flogger]

Another one