civil defense or medic?

**tomegn** · 12-22-2008, 01:40 AM

Hello all,can anyone provide info on this helmet,it was listed as civil defense,origin unknown.I tend to buy on impulse and this caught my eye...purchased for under $30[usd],Thanks for any input&Happy holidays!

**Adrian Stevenson** · 12-22-2008, 11:26 AM

Hi Tom, the insignia I can explain, it is for a U.S. WWII Civil Defense Auxiliary Fireman.

However, the helmet itself is British. See my thread here:

https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/world...el-helmet.html

However, I am at a total loss to explain why it has US insignia on it. The Americans used a civil defence helmet of their own design as far as I know? Either WW1 pattern helmet or a new design of their own.

Cheers, Ade.

**tomegn** · 12-23-2008, 11:12 PM

Ade,once again you amaze me with your knowledge,I thought after searching a bit that it resembled a us insignia,but here is another stumper,the helmet is made of fibreglass,the inside looks just like a typical liner you would findon the m1&others..did the brits make them in this material also.I couldn't find info in the link from your thread,which I bookmarked,being a former volunteer fireman myself.Thanks for being so helpfull,I raise my glass to you my friend..CHEERS!

**Adrian Stevenson** · 12-23-2008, 11:26 PM

Hi Tom, fibreglass! Well, that is a new one on me. I think you need to ask a specialist in US civil helmets. I am getting out of my depth now.

I have taken another look at at. And I now think it is based upon the British design and that it it. What I had taken to be the photo angle is actually a difference in shape. Your helmet is oval, not round and also seems to slope front to back.

Or is it some kind of civil impressed construction workers helmet. I am thinking out loud here. I think the only thing I can say with 100% certainty is on the insgnia.

Cheers, Ade.

**tomegn** · 12-23-2008, 11:36 PM

Thanks again Ade,out of your depth you say,I'm still walking to the hole,lol. Looks like project is underway,I'll let ya know if I get to the bottom of it..CHEERS

**Adrian Stevenson** · 12-23-2008, 11:37 PM

Thanks Tom. I love a mystery. Keeps us posted.

Cheers, Ade.

**tomegn** · 12-26-2008, 02:37 PM

Ade,some small updates so far;as you stated logo is u.s.civil defense,and from another forum I'm a member too also,was suggested to be a miner helmet[journey just beginning on this],and another inquiry to a maker mark"MDA"[which I can't find on helmet]suggested from I think, a former fireman,judging by his member i.d. So there's a few shovels full of dirt in the hole,not much but a good start..journey continues..Cheers!

**theduke635** · 12-26-2008, 05:18 PM

It Looks like a MSA "hard hat" type helmet to me i have one just like it that was worn in the coal mines I will post some pics so you can compare them

**tomegn** · 12-26-2008, 09:43 PM

by theduke635

It Looks like a MSA "hard hat" type helmet to me i have one just like it that was worn in the coal mines I will post some pics so you can compare them

You might have solved the mystery!,Would you happen to know what MSA stands for? Thanks Duke,I'm looking forward to comparing to your pics..Happy Holidays!

**theduke635** · 12-26-2008, 10:03 PM

by tomegn

You might have solved the mystery!,Would you happen to know what MSA stands for? Thanks Duke,I'm looking forward to comparing to your pics..Happy Holidays!

Mine Safety Appliances (MSA) They made (and still make) products for the mining and construction (and military) induststry . I have to find that helmet so i can take pics of it ... I just don't remember where i put it!