G&S Para helmets ?

[Rich Payne]

Hello, my first post on this part of the forum. I'm not a helmet collector but I have been researching vehicle colours and the Mk2 helmets at least seem to have broadly followed the use of the vehicle colours, originally Khaki Green No.3 and then SCC Brown No.2.

I have read suggestions that the brown was introduced because of shortages of the chromium oxides used to give the green shade.

There seems to be a further complication in that the green compounds used were not completely stable even when protected from light and that items originally finished in green can now appear more brownish. The perception of colour is very susceptible to light conditions. Natural light in a north-facing room will allow the most accurate assesment.

[SMP]

Very interesting , Rich. I have noticed many badly stored Brit helmets appear to change colour. Thanks for your input .
Hey Jelle. Any chance you can post your fibre rim ?

Thanks,
Steve

[SMP]

Steve,

..Also, ... the outstanding question still is .... Who were "G and S" ??

Regards

Gary J.

Well, I asked Marcus and this is his answer:

"Hi Steve,

I can't help with this, as I have been unable to find any details amongst
archive documents. They made linings for Mk. I Airborne Troops helmets in
1943 only but also linings for Mk.II infantry helmets in 1942. They appear
to have been a sub-contractor to Briggs Motor Bodies Ltd. I have just found
the contract details for Glider Pilot helmets and for the rubber parachute
training helmets - the Dunlop Rubber Company were the sole maker of the
latter helmets.

Best,

Marcus"


Looks like it will remain a mystery a bit longer.

Steve

[SMP]

Just missed this one on e-bay. Again it is brown in colour.

[SMP]

markings:

[SMP]

G & S = Gimpson and Slater ( Nottingham) ?

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Steve, that is interesting. Is it confirmed as you put ? They are still around and not far from me.

Cheers, Ade.

[Gary Jucha]

Might

Might be worth a phone call to confirm they were WW2 sub-contractors. If these are the "Gimpson or Gimson" people ?

Gimson & Slater Ltd
Walton St
Long Eaton
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG10 1PE

Tel: +44 (0) 115 973 5141
Fax: +44 (0) 115-946 0808

[SMP]

Hi Steve, that is interesting. Is it confirmed as you put ? They are still around and not far from me.

Cheers, Ade.

Hi Ade/ Gary,

Yes , my mistake. Gimson and Slater, not Gimpson.

It is not confirmed, but I feel hopeful. The name comes via Jim at GHW. He has a list of British war suppliers in WW2. The only company that fits G&S is Gimson and Slater.
They made furniture ( still do) post war. Lots of leather work and padding ! Sounds like the kind of company that would make para liners.

Ade, why don't you have a poke around their old store rooms !

Regards,
Steve

[Gary Jucha]

Sounds

Steve,
Sounds like their the people ...
.. Turning their skills of leather working and upholstery onto a war footing ...
Leather liners / padding would be just up their street !

Regards ... and well done !!

Gary J.