Helmets

Original Belgian M31 Adrian helmet, used during the early stages of World War II, particularly during the May 1940 campaign (“Battle of Belgium”).

A very attractive and honest example retaining a significant amount of its original wartime paint, giving the helmet excellent display appeal. The helmet is complete with its original liner and chinstrap, and shows genuine period wear and age from service use (please refer to the images for condition details).

The liner is clearly marked by the Belgian manufacturer “X. BUISSET” of Vilvoorde and is size 60 — a desirable large size, noticeably bigger than the standard Belgian M31 Adrian helmets commonly encountered.

Overall, this is a desirable and increasingly scarce piece of original Belgian WWII headgear, especially as a complete example with strong untouched character and good original finish.

Original WWII Canadian Mk II steel combat helmet, manufactured in 1941 by G.S.W. (General Steel Wares in Toronto). 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.C.” (Viceroy Manufacturing Company) 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.