A most unexpected surprise!

[siege1863]

I bought this helmet on eBay as an addition to my WWII toy collection. As the seller suggested, it appears it was personalized with the names of neighborhood children. What is unusual, however, is the Signal Corps insignia drawn on the front. One would expect an Army eagle, crossed rifles, crossed cannons, etc. No doubt it is a toy helmet, but now that I have it in hand and can read all the inscriptions, I think it is something entirely different.

 

Based on the location in which it was purchased (Bloomfield NJ), the Signal Corps insignia, and the unusual names, I believe this helmet was a display piece from the Pigeon Service and the names are those of pigeons! Since there is no “roster” of pigeons in the Service, it is doubtful this can be proven. Note that the Army’s Pigeon Service Center was located at Fort Monmouth NJ from 1917 into 1943, and some years after the war. Not too far from Bloomfield. Below is a list of the names as written:

 

Dutch Bayerlein

“Gadget Horace”

“C-2 Dan”

“Ginzo Mayo”

Limey Betty

Nice Eyes Everett

“No Info Harry”

“Slipo Steve”

“Shorty Flo”

“Frenchy-Dab”

See this Grace?

Diamond Lil

“Owl Eyes Artie”

“Dear Dan”

“‘Smokey’ Joe”

“‘Chief’ Walter”

Hoiman Bird

“Discount” Huber

 

 

[Bob Hudson]

For sure those are not kids names - not even the Dead End Kids had monikers like that!

 

Until I read your post I did not even realize that the SC named its boids.... here's an article about one: http://www.homeofheroes.com/wings/part1/3b_cherami.html