Fidel Castro’s Personal Worn & Signed Military Helmet

This is one of just two helmets the Soviet Union gifted to Fidel Castro in 1961.

It formed part of a Soviet consignment of protective military equipment that Castro used.

Castro was first seen in public wearing one of the two helmets in 1963, when he travelled to the worst hit parts of Cuba that had been destroyed by Hurricane Flora.

Before he wore the military helmet, like all of his property, Castro wrote his name inside.

On this occasion he also wrote the name of his 7-year-old daughter, Alina.

Castro later inscribed on the inside “Ciclon Flora Cuba 1963”, to remind him of the hurricane.

Acquired by the previous owner at the estate sale of Fidel Castro's mistress Natty Revuelta Clews, between December 2015 and July 2016.

The previous owner is British businessman Mr Gary Shannon, who knew the Castro family and their associates for 20+ years from circa 2000. Mr Shannon helped provide technology and communications infrastructure to Cuba.