Para helmet???

[Hessian]

Bought out a huge collection of stuff, mostly German but this Beret and helmet was among the stuff. The beret looks like moths made a nice meal of it but its dated 1944 inside.
The helmet is whats a bit more confusing. The front has a yellow anchor and maybe a bird or flower design. Im afraid to take it apart to get a better look as I dont want to break the netting.
Ive looked around the net and the closest thing it looks like is a brit para helmet... if anyone can tell me what this actually is I'll be greatful.
Thanks!

[mandy333]

Possibly Polish

Greetings Hessian: From the pictures supplied , the helmet looks like a british 3rd pattern with web strapping. Is there a date on the liner. The only insignia I can venture a guess at being yellow and going by your description as possibly being a bird (without seeing better photos) is a Polish eagle(which IF it was would be a great acquisition). These are very hard to find originals of.The beret is a very nice looking example also but as mentined before, more photos and better ones would be needed to confirm.
Best Regards
Zeke

[Hessian]

Thanks Zeke
The beret is pretty moth eaten but the silver wings on the front are very nice.

The helmet insignia IS a bird, looks like its on an anchor(?)

I will look for a date on the liner. Is there a place they were usually marked?

Thanks again

[jelle]

The beret is a reproduction and so is the metal wing on it as far as I can tell from these pictures.The helmet was repainted and the polish eagle added.I would say reanactment gear.The helmet itself could be wartime,but again better pictures are needed.

Regards Johan

[vd Lubbe]

The beret is a reproduction

I think my self looking at the pictures the beret is a Compton & Webb.

[jelle]

Hi Patrick

As far as I know these compton&web berets are repro,allthough compton&web did make red berets in ww2 they were stamped differently.Luc showed me the correct stamp once I believe.But I stand to be corrected.

Regards Johan

[Hessian]

Gents
Here are some more photos with the net removed and a close up of the para device.

[jelle]

Hi Hessian

The beretbadge is a fake,I am sorry.The helmet is as I said postwar repainted and the fake polish eagle sprayed on.On the leather liner There should be a makersmark ,size and date,if not it is hard to date the helmet as they were made postwar aswell.Please also add a picture of the makersmark of the beret.

Regards Johan