u/47thunderbolt

I have a small collection of weapons/tools used by the OSS in WWII, including what I believe to be one of only 2 known surviving Little Joe Pedal Crossbows. The OSS experimented with a number of “silent” weapons for dispatching sentries and dogs, which included a number of various crossbow designs. The design pictured here did see brief experimental use in the Pacific, but ultimately it was decided that suppressed handguns were a better choice for quieter weapons. The second photo is of another surviving example in the JFK Special Warfare Museum.

Additionally I have both variants of the T13 “Beano” impact grenade, the original T13 design and the modified T13E1 that added a spoon to the grenade as an extra safety following some mishaps with the original design.

Lastly is an OSS used demolition knife.

The helmets here are all marked 82nd Airborne helmets from the 40s into the 50s that are marked with either regimental or divisional insignia. The first helmet is marked with the divisional insignia, then the 325th Airborne Infantry, and lastly the 307th Airborne Engineers and the 504th Airborne Infantry.

Living in a temporary home waiting on construction, and the helmet collection has to live in a temporary home too. Thankfully with some creative use of shelves 300+ helmets leave some room to spare!