British Helmet Insignia help?

[shaune]

Morning Gents - I just wondered if anybody has seen this Helmet insignia before? Its on a British helmet I'm looking at. Is it British WW2, or something else do you think?

Many thanks as always,

Shaun

[Watchdog]

Hi Shaun,

I really have no idea what that is supposed to be but it doesn't look too appealing to be honest.

My thoughts;

The shield which in heraldic terms would be referred to as an Escutcheon is crude in execution and clearly painted "freehand" which might not be an instant dealbreaker except that it resembles the (heraldic) "French" pattern which I don't believe appears in British unit insignia (sanctioned at army level anyway). It also seems a bit on the large side and it is on the front of the helmet whereas British formation signs would normally be on the side. That of course does not rule out a regimental "in-house" insignia as many examples exist of cap badges etc on the front of helmets in garrison use but this doesn't seem to be one of those. The central device which again in heraldic terms is the "charge" is reminiscent of a plumed knights helmet or "helm". That could indicate a connection to 2nd Armd Div except that in that case the ground would be a red square. In any case the top of the plumes seems evident as does the bottom outline of the helm but they seem squashed together so that there is no mid section? As for the yellow bits, I can't see anything except well, yellow bits.

I could be totally wrong here but I would want more information before considering this one. Just an opinion but my best guess is something painted ex-service to represent who knows what?

Do you have any images of the liner etc?

I hope this helps rather than hinders your assessment!

Regards

Mark

[shaune]

Mark, thank you very much for this analysis. I think the helmet is in France, so makes sense re the shield. I couldn't find anything similar to the design anywhere. I thought it also looks like its painted on top of something else, possibly.

There is no liner etc, just a shell. I thought it was interesting as I dont see many flashed helmets for sale, but prob best to give this one a miss.

Thanks for you thoughts as ever Mark...

[Watchdog]

Mark, thank you very much for this analysis. I think the helmet is in France, so makes sense re the shield. I couldn't find anything similar to the design anywhere. I thought it also looks like its painted on top of something else, possibly.

There is no liner etc, just a shell. I thought it was interesting as I dont see many flashed helmets for sale, but prob best to give this one a miss.Thanks for you thoughts as ever Mark...

You are very welcome. I am not a helmet specialist by any means and probably because of that I can see that a helmet with an identifiying flash is really quite an attractive propositon. However, for my part I would only ever consider something that I was sure was genuine but also that I could positively see what it was. That's not to say mint, just readily recognisable. Also, as this has no liner I think you would be wise not to spend money on something incomplete and most likey post-war adulterated.

Actually, looking again I wonder if this is a childs attempt at US 101st Airborne Div?

Regards

Mark