douggie

Im sure its british - it has the BS stamp for beardsmore steel. It has been stripped of its liner and bales to be copper plated and then put back together at which point solid rivets were used.

I had some spot on advice that this could be linked to MOTH (Memorable order of tin hats) and on closer inspection it has MOOTH scratched into the rim very faintly visible.

Hi - I have acquired a british helmet stamped BS91 which I think refers to Beardsmore steel works who made brodie helmets from 1916 to 18/19. The odd thing about this is that it has been copper plated a long time ago - probably contemporary to the end of WW1 judging by the liner and leather strap that is very delicate. About 50 to 60% of the copper coating remains. Im guessing that this may have been picked off the the battlefield end of the war and stripped and plated and the liner riveted back in (as are the strap bales) to be sold as memorabilia when people toured the battle fields? Anyone heard of this before?

Just seen two GG on this show being hacked to bits for a TV program called 'Morph'. Shame to see two of these ending their days like this. Saw loads of them at Withams years ago when I bought a dutch lightweight. Nearly changed my mind and considered buying one instead - but too big to store! I wonder how many will be left as it seems so many may have deteriorated or possibly been scrapped? Could be tempted to get one before they all disappear! Cheers

Hi its on the side of the gun - the left hand flat side where the dover tail is on the earlier MK1s and its in feint paint markings - it reads 508 i.e the numbers of the serial number. it looks to have been written on many years ago as its feint against the blueing. Not sure how to add a pic or how well it would come out. Just wondered if it was something that was common during the war? Cheers Mick

Hi Chris - Its on the breech of the Bren in faint old stencilled numbering - I guess they could ascertain at a glance which gun was coming and going from the armoury? Just wondered if it was common to do it as I haven't seen it on other deacs. The finish all appears original and not re-blued as well. Cheers Mick

Hi - this is fantastic information! You are right it has an acceptance mark which I thought was a proof mark of 1942. This tends to confirm what you have stated that it was a late - possibly december 41 - in service in 1942. All matching numbers apart from the barrel which is mk2 and dated 1943. Possibly changed at some stage in its early life. The action has very faint stencil marks of 508 on the side and I guess this was put on by the armourer? Have you seen this done before? Thanks for your info - I love researching these things as much as I do owning them! Regards Mick

Hi I have just purchased a Bren Mk1 enfield made dated 1941. It has a serial number P508. Is it possible to find out more about the bren from the serial number? i.e month of manufacture? Having searched the web there does not seem to be many with a P prefix. The numbers are all matching (action, barrel nut etc) apart from the barrel which is a Mk11. Any help/info much appreciated. Cheers Mick

Sat down tonight and read this throughout - unbelievable - I cannot comprehend the work involved. Its the first time I have ever seen a multi bank engine and its simply amazing what these engineers thought of during the war. To rebuild it from the state it was in is simply astonishing. Great read - should put it into a book! Made my night! Thanks

Hi thanks for the link - mine is identical to the one pictured. So it is a MK11 shell. Anyone know when they went to a MK3? This might help date it as earlier or same year as the liner that has 1952 on it. Thanks for everyones input so far.

Would be great to pin it down to a unit. It was clearly issued and used. The R looks as old as the helmet - its a shame that the insignia on the side is not clear. I suppose it is possible that the liner was replaced with a later one..... Its very intriguing and despite spending hours on google I cannot find a picture of a british helmet with similar markings. Did any other service use these i.e the canadians etc? I have my fingers crossed that someone will come up with the answer.... Cheers

Hi - has anyone had any thoughts on the markings? I was told the R might stand for recovery?:undecided:

Hi thanks for the reply - no I havent posted this anywhere before - I bought it yesterday for my son (aged 9) who collects helmets and now has 7 in total. We are both interested to find out about its history. Regards

Hi - this is my first post will do introduction soon and I hope the pics come out ok! In the meantime can anyone identify this helmet? It has a lift the dot lining dated 1952 but has clearly been in service at some point. It has a white stenciled 'R' on the front and the remains of a red insignia on the left side when wearing it. The insignia could be an ace of spades but it is far from clear. I cannot see a date stamp to the shell anywhere (although the paint is quite thick and looks completely original) It is a browny green in colour and the paint on the outside feels textured. Any suggestions appreciated on the service history and age of the shell. Thanks:-D