*Belgium, Cold War, MKII Brodie Clone M1949 ARP Helmet & Liner, Marked 56 ABL XB 1952, with original brown leather liner and chin strap*
Marked inside liner 56, ABL, XB, 1952. 56 = Size. ABL = Armee Belge/Belgissche Leger ( Belgium Army issue ). XB -The Manufacturer Xavier Buisset Vilvoorde. 1952 = year of issue.
After WWII, Belgium started manufacturing their version of the British Mk.II Helmet, known as the Belgian Mk.II Clone. This helmet was used by all branches of the Belgian military—Army, Navy, and Air Force—as well as in Civil Defence.
Produced from 1949 to 1952, the Mk.II Clones were very similar to the British Mk.II. The shell was almost identical, with the liner fixing screw on the crown sitting in a small indentation. The liner was of Belgian design, and the chinstrap was copied from the British Mark III helmet. The most noticeable difference was the liner: Belgian Mk.II helmets had a brown leather liner with five tongues and a brown drawstring. The cross-shaped crown pad featured black sorbo foam covered by leather, unlike the oilcloth used in British helmets. Additionally, the rims and lugs were made of mild (magnetic) steel, unlike those on British Mk.IIs.
After the Second World War, European countries, including Belgium, were heavily invested in rebuilding and preparing for any potential future conflicts. This included civil defense measures. By 1952, the Cold War was well underway, and the threat of aerial bombardment, whether from conventional or nuclear weapons, was a significant concern. This would have prompted Belgium to maintain a robust ARP organization.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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