British Police MkIV steel helmet

[Watchdog]

Well, still insisting that I am not a specialist helmet collector I have added a few more in recent weeks and now find I have over 50 items

Anyway, I couldn't resist adding this one to sit beside my MkII Police and MkIV MP lids. The seller claimed it was WWII but obviously being a MkIV it could not be so I got it including postage for about £15!
It is 1953 dated and made by ROCO (Rubery Owen & Co) and the liner by FFL is of appropriately close date 1952. It appears to have been originally painted blue with no sign of any other colour underneath.

I admit to being unsure as to when the green elastic chinstrap was introduced but I am confident that this helmet would have had one at some point in its' service if not initially.
If anyone knows for sure the answer I would like to hear it.

As usual comment or opinion is invited and welcome;



Regards

Mark

[Gunny Hartmann]

Fantastic piece for 15 quid, Rubery Owen had a fork lift factory here in Warrington.

[Watchdog]

Fantastic piece for 15 quid, Rubery Owen had a fork lift factory here in Warrington.

Yep, like so many firms engaged in war work people don't associate them with their mainstream or peace time production; Metal Box made Sten gun parts, Viners made bayonets (ironic for a cutlery maker), BMB made car / vehicle bodies (and still do as part of The Ford Group) as well as helmets and parts for the DeHaviland Mosquito etc.

Ladybird, Rael Brook and Ben Sherman have all had huge contracts to make military shirts!!

Regards

Mark