Helmets

Original WWII British Mk II steel combat helmet, manufactured in 1941 by G.S.W. (Glasgow Steel Wear Ltd.). The helmet retains an exceptional untouched combat-used appearance with a heavily textured rough camouflage finish, often referred to by collectors as a “concrete” or anti-glare finish. These field-applied coatings were created by mixing sand or granular material into the paint to reduce reflections and improve camouflage in combat conditions.

The shell is clearly maker marked and dated: G.S.W. Mk T 1941

The interior still retains its original wartime liner, though heavily worn and fragile from age and use. Interior liner markings visible including “V.M.O.” and size/manufacturing codes. The helmet also retains its period web chinstrap.

Of particular interest is the worn painted insignia to the front, either appearing to be the REME insignia or resemble a Belgian tricolor marking, suggesting possible Belgian wartime or postwar reissue or continued service after liberation. Britain supplied large amounts of military equipment to Belgium during and after WWII, making such reuse entirely plausible.

The exterior finish has aged into a very dark brown-black tone with heavy patina and surface texture throughout, giving the helmet a superb battlefield relic appearance while still remaining structurally solid.

A highly displayable and untouched example of a wartime British combat helmet with strong character and excellent visual appeal.

Original Belgian Adrian helmet Model 1915, originally produced during the First World War and later refurbished for continued Belgian military service during the interwar period. Complete with original Belgian lion-head front badge and characteristic comb crest. The helmet retains its period repaint and later upgraded liner/strap configuration, typical of Belgian arsenal refurbishments carried out during the 1920s–1930s.

A genuine and historically interesting example showing both WWI origin and later pre-WWII Belgian military reuse.

Original French Model 1915 Adrian helmet for Artillery troops, dating to the First World War.

This example retains its original horizon blue (bleu horizon) finish and features the distinctive crossed cannon artillery insignia to the front. The helmet remains complete with its original liner system and chinstrap.

Particularly interesting is the interior construction, showing the characteristic wartime use of recycled uniform cloth remnants integrated into the liner assembly—an increasingly encountered but still highly collectible detail reflecting French wartime production methods and material shortages.

The helmet displays honest age and service wear throughout, including paint loss and patina consistent with genuine field-used examples. The interior remains substantially intact, and the helmet presents very well overall with strong display appeal.

A classic and iconic piece of First World War French militaria.