My Commonwealth Headgear Collections

**SHINDENKAI** · 02-09-2014, 07:24 AM

CDN Mk. II "Postwar Re-paint"

This example, which I believe is a postwar re-paint. Got it from Canada.

There are two layers of paint applied on this example. Size 7 1/4 was written on the shell.

Shell Manufacturer: C.L./C. (Canadian Lamp Company)

The inner side has a faint "Pointy" C-Broad Arrow, which I discovered it during the photo taking.

Date: 1942

Liner: V.M.C (Viceroy Manufacturing Company) II

Date: 1942

Top of liner has a white stamped C-Broad Arrow.

Edge of outer liner has a yellow stamped size 7 1/4.

No chinstrap on this example.

**SHINDENKAI** · 02-09-2014, 08:23 AM

CDN Mk. II "G.S.W.　D.P. & H"

Here is a scarce Canada brought back Mk. II helmet.

Made by G.S.W. (General Steelwares) 　D.P. & H (Department of Pensions and Health)

Around 155,000 were produced. They were used by the Air-Raids Precautions Service (ARP).

There are few distinctive features of these helmets:

- Chinstrap lugs were spot welded, rather than the usual riveted method, so no visible round studs.
- No manufacturing date, and batch number
- Only G.S.W.　D.P. & H were stamped

This helmet also came with a two-toned camo net and a British first aid dressing.

Liner stamps: 7　V.M.C. II

Date: 1942

Chinstrap is a scarce square buckle version, with OD paint on.

**SHINDENKAI** · 02-09-2014, 09:13 AM

CDN Mk. II "G.S.W."

Another netted example that I got from Canada.

This one is a 1941 dated G.S.W. Mk. 1 combat helmet.

Liner is made by V.M.C and dated 1942 (stamped outer top of liner). A white C-Broad Arrow mark on outer top of the liner. Size: 7 1/4

Came with a two-toned camo net, and extra camo burlap short strips.

**SHINDENKAI** · 02-09-2014, 09:44 AM

CDN Mk. II "My Favorite"

My last steel helmet for now.

This helmet was "captured" in Japan, and my favorite Mk. II so far.

Original paint is there, no scratch, just a tiny dent on top, liner and chinstraps are good.

Shell made by C.L./C.　Dated 1942

Chinstrap is C-Broad Arrow marked (one and only example).

The liner, same old V.M.C. made, dated 1945, nice clean white C-Board Arrow for a change. Stamped outside of liner only.

The interesting about it is the dull lime green suspension ! I've never seen one like it, my heart was bounding like crazy when I saw it, lol !

**SHINDENKAI** · 02-09-2014, 10:05 AM

CDN Army Garrison Cap "Winnipeg Light Infantry"

My one and only WWII Canadian Garrison Cap. Got it in Japan.

A "Winnipeg Light Infantry" cap badge with red cloth behind was attached.

Two Canadian marked buttons were stitched on. There are no stamping, or making inside the cap.

I don't know much about them, any comments welcome.

I hope you guys like my collections !

Cheers!
Taka

... ... ... WAIT ! There are Eeeextra Bonus Materials coming up~!

**Jerry B** · 02-09-2014, 10:47 AM

A great collection of helmets Taka. I also really like the cap. I assume it is dark green? Rifles units usually have them in that colour.

**SHINDENKAI** · 02-09-2014, 10:55 AM

Thanks Jerry!

I think they call them "Gun Green".

Cheers!
Taka

**Mark K** · 02-09-2014, 01:33 PM

-Bravo Taka some very nice lids there the Mk III is a stunner as is the earl tanker

I think I might be able to shed a little light on a few of your questions .
IMO you are correct the liner in the British Mk II civilian is a late post war Canadian example very probably from the 1953 component production run I have a couple of such liners in my
collection in Canadian post war refurbed Mk II helmets a few more detailed images of the liner construction and the buffers would be helpful to be a 100 %.
-And you are correct the green liner suspension bands in your 1942 C.L./C. are not seen that often possibly the material was supplied from a different manufacturer or has taken on a
green hue do to aging if you slightly pull the suspension band away from the liner ring is it still green or does it take on the normal black color.
-The black square chinstrap buckles with the closed center struts were only manufactured in 1940 and had a very small production run I have two such chin straps
in my collection one is C- /l\ stamped and the other has the post war Canadian government acceptance stamp on it.
-Glad to hear you found a surprise the pointy C-/l\ ink stamp is not seen that often on the shell most have the rounded arrow tip instead.
-You will have noticed some of the white ink C-/l\ stamps have a number under them this is the inspectors Identification mark.
-The scrim cloth on your 41 G.S.W. looks to be brown and green strips of oilcloth or other wise known as (America cloth) .
-I must admit it is very unusual to see a two tone camo net on a G.S.W./D.P.&H helmet as these were destined to be used in Country by the A.R.P. civil defense
network as they are manufactured from magnetic mild steel.

Regards Mark

**SHINDENKAI** · 02-09-2014, 01:48 PM

Hi Mark,

Glad to hear that you like my collections.

Also, thank you very much for your precious lessons and answers !

I might be able to post some extra materials, tomorrow.

Best regards,
Taka

P.S. I' m also uploading photos that I took in Japan, it will be posted here:

My 2014 Booties (Jan~Dec)

Also, I will post some of my older collection as well. - Including the U.S. Army Camo Utility shirt.