Dutch VB Civil Defense Helmet

**christek** · 03-23-2014, 06:56 AM

Greetings all,

I am sure these have been covered here before, but I thought I would share my much loved example.

A 1955 Dutch MkII clone, a Verernigde Blikfabrieken (United Tin Factories) made Civil Defense helmet. This model was made before this date and they were issued to the Army, however in 1956 all were destined for the Civil Defense dept. It is my understanding these attractive helmets were in use until the 1980's.

Not sure the origin of the net, it's too small to be an American M1 net, perhaps Commonwealth?

**Opex** · 03-23-2014, 11:09 AM

Hi Chris, I can understand why this one is a favourite to you, it's in fantastic condition. Regarding the net I can only assume it's a locally made product, it's also intersting tho see the distinctive Dutch chinstrap fastening, which must have been a winning design as it was transferred to the Dutch M1...cool

**Jerry B** · 03-23-2014, 11:16 AM

My 56 dated example picked up in the flea market in Amsterdam when I lived there.

**Steelhead10** · 03-23-2014, 11:36 AM

I have one of these mine is marked VB56 1SLN I got it on ebay thinking it was British but the found out it was Dutch and used by a Reenactor as these are cheeper.

**christek** · 03-23-2014, 12:16 PM

by Jerry B

My 56 dated example picked up in the flea market in Amsterdam when I lived there.

Thanks for sharing, a great clean example! interesting that the crown padding appears to have eroded in both our examples. I wonder what material these were made of?

**Jerry B** · 03-23-2014, 12:26 PM

by christek

Thanks for sharing, a great clean example! interesting that the crown padding appears to have eroded in both our examples. I wonder what material these were made of?

The Dutch made liners for the VB helmets have a different set up and don't have a crown pad in the same manner as the two types seen in British liners, though there does seem to be a part missing.

Mk.II - Netherlands - The Brodie Helmet and its derivatives