douggie Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ford 369 Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 the lift the dot fastener holding the liner was introduced right at the end of the war,I think in april or may although as you say yours is dated later and as far as I remember the shells are not dated,as far as the markings I dont know what they are but am sure I have seen either this or an almost exact clone before have you posted this elsewhere? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
douggie Posted February 28, 2011 Author Share Posted February 28, 2011 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
douggie Posted March 1, 2011 Author Share Posted March 1, 2011 Hi - has anyone had any thoughts on the markings? I was told the R might stand for recovery?:undecided: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeEnfield Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Helmet shell of this type was used for not only tank personnel, but also para and dispatch riders. Each of whom had different liners inserted. Welcome to the forum, anyways, Douggie. All the best, Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ford 369 Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 you could be right about the R standing for recovery but I really dont recognise that side marking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ford 369 Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 you could be right about the R standing for recovery but I really dont recognise that side marking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeEnfield Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 If shell is older than liner, and I guess it could well be, 'R', could stand for "R" force. This was an inter arm force attached to HQ 21st army group, under command of Royal Engineers. Long shot, maybe's,............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ford 369 Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 If shell is older than liner, and I guess it could well be, 'R', could stand for "R" force.This was an inter arm force attached to HQ 21st army group, under command of Royal Engineers. Long shot, maybe's,............. but if the shell was older wouldnt it have the aearlier nut and bolt fitted for securing the liner? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
douggie Posted March 1, 2011 Author Share Posted March 1, 2011 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DWB Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 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 The Royal Navy used these helmets post war but never seen any with markings on Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Metroman Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 Looks the same? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/rare-tank-helmet-ww2-dated-/320661732892?pt=UK_Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item4aa8edbe1c Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
douggie Posted March 2, 2011 Author Share Posted March 2, 2011 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeEnfield Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 Well this shell was also known as 3rd patt airborne helmet, which was beginning to be issued from 1944. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
o.g-palmer Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 I think you may find that whilst looking like the same shells, there are indeed subtle differences between the tank helmet and parachutist helmet. Position of the liner retaining screws differs from the rivets of the tanker helmet, and I believe the width of the two shells is also slightly different. To my understanding the lift the dot shells came in late 45, so in my opinion its a very nice post war tank helmet. Your son is a very lucky lad, and will more than likely be a future collector.:thumbsup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackpowder44 Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Airborne helmets never had a lift the dot in the crown of the helmet or for that matter any other means of attaching a liner to the roof of the shell. The airborne helmete had a horsehair pad stuck to the inner roof . John. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ford 369 Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Airborne helmets never had a lift the dot in the crown of the helmet or for that matter any other means of attaching a liner to the roof of the shell. The airborne helmete had a horsehair pad stuck to the inner roof . John. neither did the despatch riders helmets which also use a similar shell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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