WWII Heart-Shield Bible Value Guide

The WWII Heart-Shield Bible is a poignant artifact of the 1940s, featuring a brass or steel cover designed to fit into a soldier's breast pocket. These Bibles were highly valued as psychological talismans, offering symbolic protection and spiritual solace to American troops facing the horrors of the front lines.

What Is WWII Heart-Shield Bible Worth?

The typical price range for WWII Heart-Shield Bible is $75 - $120 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the metal shield, specifically the absence of heavy corrosion or deep dents.
• Presence of the original presentation box or accompanying letters from the loved ones who gifted the Bible.
• The material of the shield, with brass covers often commanding different interest than steel variants.
• Legibility of the engraved text and the overall state of the leather and paper components.

How to Identify WWII Heart-Shield Bible?

• Check for the distinctive gold-toned brass or steel plating attached to the front cover of the pocket-sized Bible.
• Look for the specific engraved sentiment 'May This Keep You Safe From Harm' on the metal shield.
• Verify the publication date is between 1940 and 1945 to ensure it is an authentic United States era piece.
• Examine the interior for personal inscriptions or military unit details which are common in genuine field-carried examples.

History of WWII Heart-Shield Bible

During World War II, many soldiers carried personal Bibles for comfort and spiritual solace. The 'Heart-Shield Bible' emerged as a unique item, featuring a metal cover, often brass or steel, intended to protect the soldier's heart from bullets or shrapnel. While not truly bulletproof, these Bibles served as a powerful psychological talisman, offering a sense of divine protection and hope amidst the horrors of war. They were often given to soldiers by loved ones or organizations, with the inscription 'May This Keep You Safe From Harm,' as seen on this example, being a common sentiment.