*British, WW2, Dated 1943, Home Front Special Constable’s Police Brodie Helmet complete with Original SC Truncheon, Size 6 3/4, Made by RO.CO, Liner dated 1941 Made by Christy & Co Ltd London (2)*
It is particularly rare to find an original WW2 Special Constable Helmet with its Original Truncheon!
Helmet:
Marked on Liner (Indistinct): CL, II, 1941, 6 3/4
Marked on both chin strap holders: III, 1943
Marked inside brim by chin strap holder: RO.CO, 1, 1943
This pattern of helmet was issued to members of the Police as well as the Police Special Constabulary. It is a standard British MKII Steel Helmet with SC, Police emblem to the front and iconic double stripe, it has been painted the correct almost black dark blue. The original markings are still present and legible under the rim “RO.CO I 1943″, makers mark for Rubery, Owen & Company Ltd of Leeds ” who made helmets 1939 – 1943 (spelled as RO.CO or RO & CO). Both chin strap lugs are marked on sides “III, 1943.” The helmet retains its retaining liner. The liner, is marked size 6 3/4, CL, II, 1941. CL II – likely for CCL II, Christy & Co Ltd London who made liners 1940 – 1945.
Truncheon:
Approximate Measurements: 39.3cm, 15.5″ long,
Marked (Indistinct): SC 13, PS, 43
Original heavy wooden truncheon with turned grip, complete with leather hand strap, clearly marked SC for Special Constable
Helmet Background:
The “Helmet, Steel, Mark II” was introduced in 1938, featuring a new shell with a non-magnetic rim to allow the wearer to use a magnetic compass, as well as a new liner and chinstrap, similar to the Mark I*. Early production went to the ARP services, fire brigade, and police. In July 1940, it was re-designated as the “Helmet, Steel, Mark II, No 1,” and in 1941, as the “Helmet, Steel, No 1, Mark 1.”
The “Helmet, Steel, Mark II, No 2” was introduced in July 1940, when it became clear that demand for the Mark II could not be met. Helmets that had been rejected as substandard or newly manufactured from cheaper mild steel were issued under this designation, primarily to the Home Guard and civilian services. These helmets were marked with one to four small holes drilled into the rim to indicate their level of protection. In 1941, they were re-designated as the “Helmet, Steel, No 2, Mark 1.”
WW2 Police Background:
On the eve of WWII, there were around 60,000 police officers in England and Wales across 182 separate forces, with the Metropolitan Police in London being the largest at nearly 20,000 officers. Women made up fewer than 300 officers, as policing was primarily seen as a man’s job. As many young officers were called up to fight or returned to military service as reservists, police numbers dropped. To compensate, the government recruited War Reserve Police, Special Constables, and more women officers. By 1944, there were 43,000 regular officers, 17,000 reserve and special constables, and 385 women officers.
Special Constable Truncheons: Special Constables carried truncheons, often a slightly shorter or less ornate version than those used by regular police officers. These were essential for maintaining order, especially during blackout patrols and enforcing wartime regulations.
*Condition*
This WW2 helmet is in good condition given its age and service. One of the chin strap lugs is broken. The truncheon is in excellent condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMAEOXCOO_4627183896
