British WW1 helmets...

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi...is there any sure fire way to recognise a helmet made 1918 or earlier? And if so... what sould one cost? I heard there is something about the way the chin strap is attached.

Thanks
Chris

[RoyA]

Hi Chris,
The chinstrap / liner assembly must be attached my a rivit as opposed to a screw.

[RoyA]

Typical interior with oilcloth liner.
Note how the chinstrap simply slides under the liner and thru the retainers on the sides.

[RoyA]

Brodie's patent stamp usually found under the oilcloth.

[RoyA]

Example with the wool liner worn away and the rubber ring showing.

[RoyA]

Example with the original paper tag still affixed.

[RoyA]

I would recommend the book "Helmets of the First World War" by Schiffer Publishing..it has excellent details and lots of color photo's.
I can't comment on British prices...only CEF.
Best,
Roy

[Chris Boonzaier]

OK, that looks to be what I am after... what should it set me back? Up until when were these made?

Thanks
Chris

[Tony Farrell]

There you go Chris. Check the 'used & new' icon. Quite a pricey tome, but...?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...roduct-details

[Chris Boonzaier]

There you go Chris. Check the 'used & new' icon. Quite a pricey tome, but...?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...roduct-details

Thanks for the pointer, but I meant what should a helmet cost? I have seen one on Ebay and am not sure what to bid
(Could use 2-3 of them...)

[RoyA]

Chris, I have no idea what they go for in Europe, but over the pond here in Canada, $125-$150 usd will buy one in excellent condition, with complete liner and chinstrap.
The first pattern rimless brodies are scarce, and at least double that.
Examples with Battalion insignia are another $ubject altogether.
Hope this helps,
Roy
Tony & Kaiser's website has some good information....
http://www.kaisersbunker.com/cef/helmets/

[ROBB]

WW1 US helmets are as cheap as chips ,which are basically the same except for a few minor differences ,I find WW1 Brit helmets to be £90 + ROb

[Chris Boonzaier]

A question... the plate that attaches the chin strap rings to the side of the helmet on the pictured helmet has split rivets, when did this change to round rivets?

Thanks
Chris

[RoyA]

Chris,
Is this what you're referring to?
I have 11 Brit Brodies in my collection, and have owned more than double that over the years. They all had split rivits, including the early rimless brodies.
I've never seen one with round rivits.
Roy

[Tony & Kaiser]

They all had split rivits.........

Roy, that's because all your helmets were Canadian or British manufactured. US manufactured helmets have round rivets holding on the plate for the chinstrap ring. Tony

<img src=http://www.kaisersbunker.com/cef/helmets/brodie_rivit.jpg>