*Dutch, Cold War -1956, MkII-IV Brodie Clone Steel Helmet with Liner & Chinstrap, Made by Verblifa (Vereenigde Blikfabrieken), Size 56*
A scarce and increasingly collectible Dutch MkII Brodie Clone Steel Helmet, manufactured in 1956 by Verblifa (Vereenigde Blikfabrieken) (United Tin Factories), the Dutch tinware and metal goods company. This helmet is clearly stamped on the inner rim with “VB 56 6SLN”, identifying the maker, year of manufacture, and batch code. Produced only between 1955 and 1956, these helmets were intended for the re-equipped postwar Dutch armed forces and were modelled closely on the British MkII “Brodie” helmet used throughout WWII.
This Dutch clone retains the wide brim and shallow dome profile of the British MkII Brodie helmet, but internally it is more closely aligned with the MkIV, featuring a three-point liner system secured by a central crown bolt and a removable cruciform impact pad. The helmet is finished in factory-applied NATO green and fitted with a Dutch-manufactured brown leather liner mounted on a black oilcloth band, along with green webbing chinstraps that use the distinctive Dutch hook-style fittings. The liner is size-marked “56” and remains in excellent condition. The cruciform pad has been removed but is included.
These Verblifa clones were quickly superseded by newer NATO-standard helmets, making their short production run and distinctive Dutch features of particular interest to Cold War and European postwar militaria collectors.
*Condition*
The helmet remains in very good condition overall, with original paint intact and only minor scuffs and wear consistent with age. The interior liner is complete and supple, with no tears, and chinstraps are strong and unbroken. The original cruciform liner pad has been removed but is present and included. Markings are clear and legible. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQBO_2563140525
