Battered British Brodie.

[Anzac15]

A friend of mine presented me with this British WW1/WW1 era Brodie helmet over the weekend. I took pity on it, and brought it home. It definitely has been around the block. I have done nothing to it except wipe the 10 layers of dirt and dust off of it. The question I have about it is that I cant find a single manufacturers stamp on it anywhere, and the whole thing looks cruder than most I've seen. Crooked chinstrap swivels, rough looking edge of brim, crude weld on rim, etc. Did any other country during the war attempt a copy of this helmet? Have some pics, let me know what you guys think!

---------- Post added at 02:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:31 AM ----------

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[gbalke]

WOW! Looks like someone's little boy took a big hammer to it.

This pattern of helmet was produced by most Commonwealth countries; Britain, Canada and Australia to name a few. The US produced this pattern until 1941 when it was replaced with the M1 style.
Take a wire brush to the areas around the wivels, that's where most manufacturers stamped their markings.

[Anzac15]

It does! I've wiped it down, I'll take a wire brush and see if I can see anything, but you would think you could see at least a bit of stamping somewhere. It's got character, I'll say that.

[Anzac15]

Ok, have found what appears to be an arrowhead or spearhead marking under the front of the rim. You have to look really closely. I've never seen this stamp before.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

It's got character, I'll say that.

That is only if you are trying to sell it. If you are buying its rust. Nice Old helmet! Thanks For sharing.

[browningautorifle]

Looks like the typical Broad arrow marking. Proof mark for Commonwealth forces.

[Anzac15]

Guess you really have to see it person. It's definitely an arrowhead or spearhead (whatever ya want to call it) shape. Also found a number, 355, next to it. In fact, I've found traces of markings all around the underside of the brim. I'm really tempted to lightly scrub down the underside to see what I can find. I know this is no treasure, but its still pretty neat to find markings on pieces like this.

[browningautorifle]

If you search this other forum long enough, you'll find the info... The Western Allies- Helmets at War relics forum

[Anzac15]

Thanks!

[Anzac15]

Well, mystery solved...no arrowhead (amazing how light can trick your eyes) the marking is in fact 'HH / 0 355', HH being Harrison and sons & Howser Ltd. They started manufacturing helmet shells in 1915.