A new addition to my collection of Home Front helmets, bringing it up to a grand total of two. Have been after a bog standard warden’s helmet for a while, and have finally managed to find one. Overall, this one is in fantastic condition, and has the added benefit of being named.

The shell is of commonly seen BMB manufacturer, for Briggs Motor Bodies, Dagenham. The last number of the date is obscured, but at a guess dates the shell to 1938. This would match the liner, a ‘VERO I’ size 7. Most of the paint remains on the shell, and where it has chipped or worn away there is little to no sign of active rust. The ‘W’ motifs are very worn but visible. The chinstrap is in great shape as well, remaining fully elasticated and free of wear and tear.

Interestingly, this helmet not only has the owner’s name on the brim - a common find with Home Front helmets - but also has multiple service numbers. Some scratched into the metal, others neatly painted on. The majority of these are a mystery to me. AFS would be the Auxiliary Fire Service. and ARP is self-explanatory. ‘DI’ and ‘RC’, on the other hand, I haven’t been able to figure out. It seems that J. Russell was a member of multiple civilian services. The ‘DI.A’ at the end of his name is another little mystery.

Also of note are the initials on the chinstrap, although the J appears to be backwards. This helmet and liner have clearly been together for its entire lifespan. A nice ‘untouched’ Home Front lid.

Regards, B.B.