Original Dallas Police Department police helmet worn by Officer James M. Chaney during the tragic motorcade on November 22, 1963. Helmet was manufactured by Bell Topex and bears manufacturer’s tags affixed inside, as well as one affixed to the back which reads: “Toptext, TX-102.” Exterior consists of a hard white shell and black brim, with a silver band wrapped around the front and badge-style emblem affixed to the forehead, reading: “Police / Dallas Texas / Patrolman.” In fine condition, with expected wear from use in service. Accompanied by a printed photo of Chaney on his motorcycle alongside Kennedy’s limousine during the motorcade; a letter of provenance from Chaney’s daughter; and a statement by noted Kennedy assassination expert Dave Perry.
Assigned to the Traffic Division Solo Motorcycle and Special Enforcement Unit of the Dallas Police, Officer James M. Chaney remained within fifteen feet of the President as he rode through Dealey Plaza. In a televised interview the day of the assassination, Chaney retold the event as he witnessed it from the right rear fender of the president’s car: ‘We heard the first shot. I thought it was a motorcycle backfiring…I looked back over to my left and also President Kennedy looked back over his left shoulder. Then, the, uh, second shot came, well, then I looked back just in time to see the President struck in the face by the second bullet. He slumped forward into Mrs. Kennedy’s lap… it was apparent to me that we were being fired upon.’ Chaney sped up to inform Chief of Police Jesse Curry, and upon orders from him, began redirecting to Parkland Hospital. A one-of-a-kind item from a dedicated Dallas officer, regrettably placed beside Kennedy on November 22. RR Auction COA.
