Resource for British Polish in Exile Helmets?

[Rawski]

Hello All,

One of the items I want to add to my collection is an authentic WWII British Polish-in-Exile helmet (and uniforms too). My grandfather served in their artillery during the war (I will post pictures once I get them scanned).

I do not want to be duped into buying one that has a fake eagle painted on, etc so any of your knowledge and direction would be tremendously appreciated!

For example, I saw this auction: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F392110328022



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[GregK]

The one posted in the link is a "No" for me. Look at the right wing. Near the top there appears to be some of the yellow paint over some previous nicks in the underlying green on the shell. Big red flag for me right there.

Greg

[Rawski]

The one posted in the link is a "No" for me. Look at the right wing. Near the top there appears to be some of the yellow paint over some previous nicks in the underlying green on the shell. Big red flag for me right there.

Greg

I kind of see what you mean. It's a shame they would do that.

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[Jean-Loup]

"The one posted in the link is a "No" for me. Look at the right wing. Near the top there appears to be some of the yellow paint over some previous nicks in the underlying green on the shell. Big red flag for me right there."

Are you saying that the Polish forcs were issued only with mint helmets, and that their badges were painted on when the helmets were still brand new? I doubt that would be correct.

JL

[GregK]

"The one posted in the link is a "No" for me. Look at the right wing. Near the top there appears to be some of the yellow paint over some previous nicks in the underlying green on the shell. Big red flag for me right there."

Are you saying that the Polish forcs were issued only with mint helmets, and that their badges were painted on when the helmets were still brand new? I doubt that would be correct.

JL

I'm saying the Poles were issued new kit like any other Allied nation. There should be no reason for paint over existing damage. If you like it...buy it. I personally wouldn't.

[Jean-Loup]

"I'm saying the Poles were issued new kit like any other Allied nation. There should be no reason for paint over existing damage. If you like it...buy it. I personally wouldn't. "

Its not about this helmet being good or not (you are surely correct that it is not), it is about the explanation you provide.
I am not familiar with Polish forces, but the Germans and even the Americans (famous for having unlimmited resources) did a lot of recycling and reissuing of gear. I can well imagine that the Poles could have been issued with material that had already been used, or that they could paint their badge onto helmets that they themselves had already used.

JL

[GregK]

I can well imagine that the Poles could have been issued with material that had already been used, or that they could paint their badge onto helmets that they themselves had already used.

JL

Perhaps. I'm just saying that true original Polish helmets are rare. I've handled a few "one looker" originals and seen many, many reproductions. Not once have I seen a known original with the insignia painted over previous paint damage. I have seen it on the repros. Take from that what you will.

[JamesT]

This one is probably a good shell but the inside may have been reassembled.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CASQUE-PO...wAAOSwq4dbhbIq

Speak to the folks here - they are really helpful and knowledgable.

http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/polish...zie-1939-1947/

Following the invasion of Italy the Polish 2nd Corps were the poor men of the 8th Army and were only issued be basics so 2nd hand, 3rd hand or many more hand helmets would not have been uncommon. Much of their insignia was locally made and it is common to find badges made out of all sorts of things including metal and plastic. 1st Corps based in the UK and part of the D Day invasion force were different as they were in the UK for several years and were part of the orbat from early on in the war so were treated like the rest of the armed forces defending the UK and preparing to invade Europe

PSZ is a really interesting area of collecting.

Regards

James