Unidentified Helmet Insignia

[aj4010]

This is one of those unit markings that will probably never be identified. I have not come across another like it, (except one with a red square, and that was unidentified too!) A clue maybe the condition of the chinstraps which seem to indicate exposure to salt water. Marines perhaps? There is a name "Smith" stenciled to the front of the pot, which is faded. Navy?
I do not believe the liner to be original to the helmet.
Thoughts welcomed.

Best Regards,

Andy

[moaning minnie]

dont have a clue andy but this is very much my cup of tea,fantastic original lid and that amazing rayon liner.im sure your trying to tease me now i want it now,top stuff mate,cheers dave.

[aj4010]

Here's the pic that didn't show. I don't know whats up with the uploader, but it's driving me nuts.
In this shot, the stencil does not look like "Smith" at all.


Tease you Dave, who me?

Regards,

Andy

[plumbob]

Hi Andy nice lid again.
Out of interest did you get the pair like this, what i mean is an early liner with a later war pot.
Strange how these things find themselves mated sometimes.
I haven’t a clue about the square mate.
All the best
Rod

[aj4010]

Rod, as far as I remember they came together, but it was a few years ago so I'm not really sure. I don't believe I would have put such an early liner into a mid/late war front seam swivel bale. Unless I was drunk!

Best Regards,

Andy

[plumbob]

I don’t think you would have done that either mate i was just curious.
What is that on the liner has it been painted yellow then silver over it at some time.
Rod

[aj4010]

Silver, then yellow. It's a real odd one.

Regards,

Andy

[plumbob]

Maybe it was a factory unpainted green one.
I have read that silver paint was quite often used for lieutenants bars ect on helmets, so maybe someone decided they would like a totally silver liner, so that could be period you never know.
Just another one of those ones we will never know for sure.
Rod

[moaning minnie]

rod and andy if the heat lot number is fairly low then the swivels could have been field done then that way the liner would have mated with the pot from the start,just one of many reasons open to discussion,cheers dave.

[plumbob]

That’s a fair point Dave.
Perhaps Andy will tell us the heat stamp so we can work on that.
Rod