*Belgium, Cold War-1952, M51 (MKII Brodie Clone) Steel Helmet, Liner & Chinstrap, Marked ABL XB 1952*
Marked inside liner ABL, XB, 1952. ABL = Armee Belge/Belgissche Leger (Belgium Army issue). XB -The Manufacturer Xavier Buisset Vilvoorde. 1952 = year of issue.
This is a well-preserved example of the Belgian Mk.II Clone steel helmet, dated 1952 and issued to the Belgian military during the early Cold War period. Based closely on the British Mk.II design, this model was adopted post-WWII and used extensively across all branches of the Belgian armed forces—including the Army, Navy, Air Force—as well as in Civil Defence units.
After the Second World War, Belgium began manufacturing its own version of the iconic British Mk.II helmet, retaining the same shallow dome and wide brim profile. Produced between 1949 and 1952, these Belgian Mk.II Clones featured several distinct modifications: the liner fixing screw was set into a small crown indentation, and the liner itself was a unique Belgian design made of brown leather with five padded tongues and a central drawstring. Unlike British models that used oilcloth pads, the Belgian version used a leather-covered Sorbo rubber crown pad for impact absorption. The chinstrap design was copied from the British Mk.III helmet, and both the rim and lug fittings were made from mild (magnetic) steel—another deviation from the British standard.
This particular helmet is stamped inside the liner with “ABL X-B 1952” denoting Armée Belge / Belgisch Leger (Belgian Army) issue, made in the final year of Mk.II Clone production. The helmet shell retains much of its original matte green finish, with minor scuffing, light oxidation, and a shallow arc of corrosion across the dome—adding visual character but not compromising structural integrity. The liner remains intact and in good condition with supple leather, strong stitching, and the original drawstring. The green web chinstrap is also present and attached with square bales, as designed. Inside the liner crossband, the “ABL X-B 1952” marking is clearly legible, and the leather bears a faint circular Belgian acceptance stamp.
By 1952, with the Cold War intensifying, Belgium—like many European nations—was heavily invested in military preparedness and civil defence. Helmets like this were issued not only for combat use but also for civil protection in the event of aerial attack, whether conventional or nuclear. This helmet is a tangible piece of that transitional postwar period—where WWII legacy met Cold War anxiety.
*Condition*
Overall very good. The shell retains original paint with light wear. The brown leather liner is complete with all five tongues and drawstring intact. Chinstrap is present and securely attached. The crown pad (leather-covered Sorbo disk) is missing, though its original attachment point remains visible. This does not affect the structural integrity. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQBO_2564140525
