British GSW 1941 Helmet

[Bob Hritz]

I just picked up a British helmet marked GSW 1942. It is complete with liner and elastic embedded chin strap. I was wondering if these are collectible or still considered surplus iitems.

Thank you,
Bob Hritz

[Infanteer]

GSW (General Steel Wares) is a Canadian maker and since Canada never adopted the elasticized chinstrap for the Mk II helmet, it would sound like you have a pieced together helmet. That being said, MK II helmets are much more of a collector's item these days, especially if the original painted finish is intact. GSW made helmets are normally stamped Mk I for some unknown reason... perhaps a misunderstanding at the factory.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Bob, please show us a pic if you can, as I wonder if there is a bit of confusion re the chinstrap?

Brit/Commonwealth helmets are still very cheap compared to their German counterpart but are becoming more appreciated if untouched.

Cheers, Ade.

[Bob Hritz]

Front of helmet

[Bob Hritz]

Interior

[Bob Hritz]

Markings. It is marked GSW MK1 1941

[Infanteer]

Yes, there was some confusion about the chinstrap... the strap on the helmet shown is not elasticized but has springs, and is the correct strap for a Canadian made helmet. It has a post war service number added to the rim and it also "appears" to have been repainted post war as many of these helmets were (many will be found with a shiney dark green finish). It may not be repainted but the close-up photo of the markings shows a heavier than usual layer of paint and there seems to be two colours present. I might be mistaken though as the colour looks good. A repainted helmet in my experience does not sell for as much as one with the original WW2 paint. However, it is an original helmet and I wouldn't mess with it.

[Bob Hritz]

Thank you very much. It was a garage sale find. Since it may be post-war painted over, it is off to ebay. I was hoping it would be a British WWII.

Bob Hritz