*British, WW1, Regimentally Marked, Mark 1 Steel Brodie Helmet Shell, Galloping White Horse on Red Oval Insignia, with original strap (no liner)*
WW1 British Regimentally Marked Steel Helmet Shell. This is a well-preserved example of a British Brodie helmet shell, retaining much of its rough-textured, darkened combat paint finish. On one side of the shell, there are remnants of a large painted insignia featuring a white horse on a red oval, possibly representing the Kent or West Yorkshire regiment. The shell includes its original the wool pad and leather chinstrap, which is detached at one end, but the liner system is missing.
By March 1916, approximately 140,000 helmets (Type 'A', 'B', and 'War Office' patterns) had been issued to troops on the Western Front. However, as these were considered "trench stores," distribution was limited, and soldiers were not able to receive personal issues. Medical evidence showed these helmets significantly reduced severe head wounds, leading to increased production. Field evaluations highlighted some issues, including helmets being too shiny, round, shallow, with slippery liners, and sharp brims. To address these, a new liner and chinstrap were designed, the rim was edged, and a non-reflective textured paint was applied. A thousand modified helmets were sent for evaluation and were approved by May 15, 1916. Full approval followed in July, with a million helmets in service by then. By September, the improved version was officially named the "Helmet, Steel, Mark I," although some helmets were still assembled using a mix of old and new components.
*Condition*
There is some rust visible on both the exterior and interior of the shell commensurate with age and service. There is no discernable makers mark or heat stamp reference. The chin strap is broken and fragile. The liner is missing. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMAEOXCOO_9858173462
