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COMMONWEALTH HEADGEAR OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR
#EC204 102nd Battery, RCA, Flashed Dispatch Rider Helmet, Gnr W.T. Yates
Original WWII Dispatch Rider helmet with 102nd Battery Royal Canadian Artillery flash worn by Gunnar William Truman Yates. Gnr Yates served as RCA Dispatch Rider, which is why he was issued this type of helmet and why it is flashed accordingly. Gnr Yates regimental number is also period painted inside the steel skirt. The helmet is maker marked and was produced by Briggs Motor Bodies (BMB) in 1942, in size 7. The helmet is true used “been there” condition, showing the expected wear from front line service after Gnr Yates disembarked in France July of 1944. The helmet is in true untouched condition and never cleaned or messed with. This is a top example with real documented history, flashed Dispatch Rider helmets with provenance are seldom observed and rarely ever offered for sale. Gunnar Yates complete 21 page service file (Obtained by CEF research service through Access to Information) will be provided in digital form to the buyer after the deal is completed. $1250
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#CC25 1944 RASC 6th Airborne Beret Grouping
Original WWII Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) beret grouping that belonged to Sgt E. Evans, regimental number 160324, of the 6th Airborne Division. The group includes Evans 1944 diary, which is full of entries, and his 1945 agenda with additional information and entries. With these books, you can follow all of Sgt Evans service in the war, including the Battle of Bulge and linking up with Soviet troops in Germany at wars end. The beret itself is a 1944 Kangol Wear Limited in size 7 1/8, still featuring the original string and grommets without any modifications aside from the mounting of an officer’s quality bullion cap badge. The rare RASC bullion cap badge is period mounted in the expected fashion well sunken into the fabric with matching patina. The beret is period worn, but well preserved without mothing. Scarce beret grouping with lots of room for additional research. $3200
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#CC26 Parachute Regiment Medical Officer’s Beret, Bullion Cap Badge
Original WWII Parachute Regiment Medical Officer’s beret. Private purchase beret with black lining, generally purchased and worn by officer’s in London. The beret features a very rare Medical Officer’s bullion cap badge, period mounted in the expected fashion well sunken into the fabric with matching patina. The beret is period worn, but well preserved without mothing. Scarce. $2350
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#MA60 MKIII Helmet with Canadian Two-Tone Net
Original WWII British MKIII helmet, as used by the Canadian Army in Normandy and NWE. Includes a nice Canadian two-tone net that fits snug on the helmet with field dressing. The base helmet is standard wartime British MKIII helmet with 1943 BMB liner in size 7, please note one area of the liner has some damage . The helmet markings in the steel are too faint to read under the factory texture paint. Great example, ready to complete a Normandy mannequin or helmet display. $385
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#MA49 MKIII Helmet with Canadian Multi-Tone Net
Original WWII British MKIII helmet, as used by the Canadian Army in Normandy and NWE. Includes a nice Canadian multi-tone net that fits snug on the helmet with field dressing. The base helmet is standard 1944 British MKIII helmet with 1944 BMB liner in size 7. The helmet markings in the steel are too faint to read under the factory texture paint. Great example, ready to complete a Normandy mannequin or helmet display. $425
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#CD695 Canadian MKII Combat Helmet with Camouflage Net
Original WWII Canadian MKII combat helmet. The helmet is a standard Canadian example with riveted chinstrap bails. It was produced in 1942 by the Canadian Lamp Company, and was part of lot number 89. It still features the original 1942 V.M.C. liner, bumpers, factory chinstrap, padding, correct MKII helmet nut, and multi-tone Canadian camouflage helmet net. The steel shell has an original C broad arrow stamp still intact which is not often present. Excellent lightly used condition example for any collection. $250
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#BA2 2nd Punjab Regiment, Indian Airborne, Maroon Beret
Original WWII maroon beret worn by a member of the 2nd Punjab Regiment, Indian Airborne. The beret is manufactured by Kangol Wear Limited in 1945, with British broad arrow, in a standard period size 6 7/8. Named to a soldier "Khanna" likely of a family group of the Khatri clan, part of the Dhai Ghar community of North India. The 2nd Punjab Reg silver-washed brass cap badge was carefully period mounted on green badge quality wool backing. The badge and backing are well sunk in, with equal patina and wear to the rest of the beret, giving all indications it has been untouched since the war. The beret is period worn, without any insect damage. Both grommets remain snug in place and the leather grommet protector inside the beret remains intact. Background; The 2nd Punjab Regiment was a British Indian Army regiment from 1922 to the partition of India in 1947. During the Second World War, the Regiment earned the following Battle Honours: Keren, Ad Teclesan, Amba Alagi, Abyssinia 1940–41, Central Malaya, Ipoh, Singapore Island, Malaya 1941–42, North Africa 1940–43, Casa Bettini, Italy 1943–45, Buthidaung, Ngakedaung Pass, North Arakan, Imphal, Litan, Kanglatongbi, Tengnoupal, Tonzang, Kennedy Peak, Defence of Meiktila, Pyinmana, Burma 1942–45. Scarce beret to find for advanced Airborne collectors. Priced accordingly given the rarity. $1800
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#CC13 1945 Parachute Regiment Maroon Beret
Original WWII Parachute Regiment maroon beret with cap badge. Produced by the seldom encountered maker Jalpotex Ltd during 1945 in size 7 1/8. Inside the beret with the makers information the WD stamp is nice and clear with a “Z” date code above. The cap badge is an appealing silver-washed brass Parachute Regiment version, often associated with the Indian Airborne. Both non-magnetic grommets remain snug in place and the leather grommet protector inside the beret remains intact. The beret is well worn and has a few holes, however, this does not detract from being displayed. If you’re looking for something unworn or in mint condition because it sat in a drawer during the war, this beret is definitely not for you. Priced accordingly given the condition. Additional photographs available on request, please enquire with any additional questions. $1400
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#CD14 Canadian MKII Combat Helmet
Original WWII Canadian MKII combat helmet. The helmet is a standard Canadian example with riveted chinstrap bails. It was produced in 1941 by the Canadian Lamp Company, and was part of lot number 37. It still features the original 1941 V.M.C. liner, bumpers, factory chinstrap, padding, and correct MKII helmet nut. Excellent unissued condition example that would be great for any collection. $175
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#CD626 MKIV Combat Helmet
Original WWII British / Commonwealth MKIV combat helmet. Early example, dated 1945 and produced by Briggs Motor Bodies Ltd. Excellent / unissued condition. Great example for any helmet collection. $275
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#CD614 Royal Canadian Artillery Field Service Cap
Original WWII Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) field service cap for other ranks with "gun" style cap badge. The cap shows genuine service wear, the colours consist of scarlet body, very dark almost black blue, and yellow piping. For more information on this nice field service cap, please see pages 108-110 of The Canadian Field Service Cap by James J. Boulton & Clive M. Law. Nice cap. $175
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#CD588 Canadian MKII Civil Defence "Utilities" Helmet
Original WWII Canadian MKII Civil Defence "Utilities" helmet. Features welded chinstrap bales instead of riveted, confirming the manufacturers intent that this helmet was produced for civil defence. The "U" (Utilities) marking is crisp and perfectly factory applied. Features the original V.M.C. liner, factory installed chinstrap, and all other original and correct components. This is an excellent condition example, likely unissued. $110
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#CD235 Canadian Army "Yukon" Cap
Original WWII Canadian Army "Yukon" winter cap. Good condition example with just a few tiny moth nips. Produced by the Buffalo Cap and Neckware Company in 1940 in size 7 1/8 and stamped accordingly in yellow ink. $40
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#BS131 Canadian Field Service Cap
Original post-WWI Canadian inter-war field service cap that would have seen service at the beginning of and into WWII. Manufactured with a hard body with Canada cap badge and small Canada buttons on each end of the leather chin strap. Original example with all original parts as found. Unit marked for B.C. Dragoons and C broad marked in white ink inside the cap. Very good condition, nice example of an uncommon cap $250
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SOLD
Canadian MKII Combat Helmet
Original WWII Canadian MKII combat helmet. Manufactured by the Canadian Lamp Company in 1942. Nicely marked, in lightly used condition. Complete with desirable two-tone net that is original to the helmet, as found when we purchased it from the son of the veteran. *Sold*
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Canadian MKII North Nova Scotia Highlanders Flashed Helmet
Original WWII Canadian MKII North Nova Scotia Highlanders (NNSH) flashed combat helmet. Genuine period NNSH painted flash applied to the left side, consistent with other known original examples and compared to one in another collection direct from a veteran. Extremely nice helmet and very desirable. *Sold*
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MKIII Helmet RO&CO 1944
Original WWII RO&CO 1944 MKIII helmet with Canadian two-tone camouflage net. Helmet is in excellent condition and appears likely unissued. Original factory applied olive green paint. Nicely marked RO&CO III over 1944. *Sold*
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#CD566 Canadian MKIII Combat Helmet
Original WWII Canadian MKIII combat helmet. Standard WWII high rivet MKIII steel helmet shell, with Canadian 1943 "V.M.C" liner system and two-tone camouflage netting with scrim added. Correct MKII helmet bolt. The helmet net features original period applied scrim, and interesting bootlace repair. The helmet shell has a faint name / number that looks interesting but is hard to decipher. This is the perfect helmet to complete your Normandy campaign mannequin or display. *Sold*
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#CC9 Canadian Paratrooper Combat Helmet
Original WWII "Helmet Steel Airborne Troops Mk.1 (Helmet, Steel No.5)" Canadian / British paratroopers combat helmet. Excellent condition and very lightly used example produced by Briggs Motor Bodies (BMB) in 1943, in size 6-7/8 (About a medium by period standards, these were made as small as 6-3/8). The helmet features a non-magnetic steel rim, with a leather, web, and sorbo liner and four point leather harness. The helmet would have left the factory with a pad glued to the interior of the steel shell, but in most cases the glue quickly gave way and the pad quickly fell out, the remnants of the black glue still remains, another pad could be added. The orange sorbo material padding for the liner is in surprisingly excellent condition, often times the sorbo has turned black and stained the leather in these helmets. Includes original Canadian two-tone helmet net that is snugged down on the helmet having been on it a very long time, we have left it in place and undisturbed. This is an excellent example of a paratrooper helmet used by Canadian and British airborne forces. *Sold*
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Canadian Dispatch Riders Helmet
Original WWII Canadian dispatch riders helmet. Manufactured by Backstay Standard (BS) in 1944. We purchased this helmet directly from the son of the veteran, who explained his father was doing motorcycle training in preparation for the invasion of Japan. The wartime manual on the training of motor cyclist is included, and from the same veterans foot locker. The helmet has a desirable two-tone Canadian helmet net, which has been on the helmet since the war and never removed. *Sold*
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#CD541 Canadian Two-Tone Camouflage Helmet Net with Original Scrim
Original WWII Canadian two-tone camouflage helmet net with original oilcloth scrim period attached. Standard issue item seen in many period photos being worn by Canadian, British, and even American soldiers in Europe. Very uncommon to find with original scrim. *Sold*
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1944 Airborne Maroon Beret
Original WWII 1944 Airborne maroon beret. Used by Commonwealth Airborne forces include 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion. Manufactured by Kangol Wear Limited, and dated 1944 with War Department and British broad arrow stamps in a standard period size 7 1/8. Still has remnants of the original paper label. Both grommets remain snug in place and the leather grommet protector inside the beret remains intact. The beret surfaced in Canada and came without a cap badge, we suspect it belonged to a 1CPB member as a brass 1CPB cap badge seemed to fit well in the existing mounted holes done by the original owner. Lightly period worn condition. *Sold*
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#CD251 48th Highlanders Glengarry
Original WWII Canadian 48th Highlanders Glengarry. Worn by Ross W. Heron, with some additional information on the reverse of the photo. We have not done any research past what is presented here, but this could be a potential research project to learn more about the veteran. Excellent true original example with nicely backed cap badge that has been on there forever, with information and photo of the vet wearing it. *Sold*
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#CC14 1944 Airborne Artillery Maroon Beret with Officer's Cap Badge
Original WWII Airborne Artillery maroon beret with embroidered officer's cap badge. Produced by the maker Supak Manufacturer Ltd during 1944 in size 6 ¾. Inside the beret with the makers information the WD stamp is also still present with the “M” date code above. The bullion officer's cap badge is in excellent condition snugged down into the maroon wool in period fashion. The beret overall is in excellent condition, showing just minimal service wear. The leather binding is in nice condition and the silk ribbon is still present, with old knot from when it was adjusted to the original wearer's head. Both non-magnetic grommets remain snug in place and the leather grommet protector inside the beret remains intact. A nice solid original beret in excellent condition. Very desirable. *Sold*
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#CC11 1945 Glider Regiment Maroon Beret, Wartime "Economy" Cap Badge
Original WWII Glider Regiment maroon beret featuring wartime "economy" plastic cap badge. Produced by the maker Kangol Wear Limited during 1945 in size 7 1/8. British broad arrow stamp is also still present on the interior. The cap badge is a nice condition plastic "economy" version that is undamaged and appears original to the beret, settled down nicely into the maroon wool. The beret is service worn, this one definitely didn’t just sit in a drawer during the war. Both of the berets non-magnetic grommets remain snug in place, and the leather grommet protector inside the beret remains intact. Part of the silk ribbon is still present, with an old knot from when it was adjusted to fit the original wearer's head. A nice solid original beret that is very desirable in this condition. *Sold*
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#CD349 1943 Rocky Mountain Rangers Beret
Original WWII Canadian Rocky Mountain Rangers beret. This is an original set, untouched with original cap badge that has been on it since the war. The beret is a British made example from Kangol Wear Limited, dated 1943, in size 7. Presumably purchased or issued and worn by a soldier of this battalion while overseas and then for the trip home. *Sold*
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#BS165 Canadian Scottish Officer's Tam O' Shanter
Original WWII Canadian Scottish officer's Tam O' Shanter (ToS). This is an untouched set with original cap badge that has been on it since the soldier came home at the end of hostilities. The ToS is a British produced example manufactured by W.M. Anderson & Sons Ltd of Edinburgh & Glasgow, presumably purchased or issued to the officer while serving overseas. This is an excellent condition example without any mothing or damage, showing genuine service wear. Background: The Balmoral bonnet was introduced during WWI for Scottish infantry serving in the trenches. This piece of headgear became known as the "bonnet, Tam O' Shanter" and later abbreviated "ToS". Scottish Regiments of the Canadian Army continued to wear the ToS through WWII and they are still in wear with some regiments today. *Sold*
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#BS164 The Regina Rifle Regiment Beret
Original WWII The Regina Rifle Regiment Canadian beret. This is an untouched set with original cap badge that has been on it since the soldier came home at the end of hostilities. The beret is a Canadian made example by Dorothea Knitting Mills Limited in Toronto, and dated 1945. *Sold*
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#CD556 Le Régiment de Maisonneuve Beret
Original WWII Canadian Le Régiment de Maisonneuve beret. The beret is manufactured by "GRAND'MERE KNITTING COMPANY LIMITED" of Canada and dated 1944, featuring faded white C broad arrow stamp. It is in worn condition without any mothing or damage, period tied at the rear to fit the soldiers head. The cap badge is a typical enlisted members cap badge of the period. The beret is exactly as found when we purchased it, with original cap badge that appears to have always been with it and is well worn into the wool. This beret was likely worn coming home at the end of hostilities. *Sold*
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#CD557 Régiment de la Chaudière Beret
Original WWII Canadian Régiment de la Chaudière beret. The beret is manufactured by "GRAND'MERE KNITTING COMPANY LIMITED" of Canada and dated 1945, featuring white C broad arrow stamp. It is in lightly worn and without any mothing or damage, period tied at the rear to fit the soldiers head. The cap badge is a typical enlisted members cap badge of the period. The beret is exactly as found when we purchased from a Quebec collector, with original cap badge that appears to have always been with it. This beret was likely worn coming home at the end of hostilities. *Sold*
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#CD619 1944 Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps Beret
Original WWII Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (RCAMC) beret. Nicely maker marked Canadian made example from the famous "GRAND'MERE KNITTING COMPANY" produced in 1944, in a size 7 1/2. Original cap badge still in place, in just lightly worn condition. *Sold*
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#CD555 17th Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars Armoured Beret
Original WWII Canadian 17th Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars armoured beret. The beret is manufactured by "Dorothea Hats Ltd" of Toronto, Canada and dated 1944, featuring faded white C broad arrow stamp. It is in lightly worn condition without any mothing or damage, period tied at the rear to fit the soldiers head. The cap badge is a typical enlisted members cap badge of the period. The beret is exactly as found when we purchased it, with original cap badge that appears to have always been with it and is well worn into the wool. This beret was likely worn coming home at the end of hostilities. *Sold*
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#CD318 Royal Canadian Dragoons Armoured Beret
Original WWII Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) armoured beret. The base beret is British manufactured example issued to Canadian soldiers overseas with faint broad arrow and 1944 date. Nice original cap badge, original set that was found together and we have left undisturbed, cap badge is sunken down into the beret with some signs of old Silvo white residue. Issued and used example. Great set. *Sold*
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#CD341 1944 British Armoured Beret
Original WWII British made Armoured Beret worn by British / Canadian Armoured troops overseas. Maker marked "Supak Manufacturing Co. Ltd" with broad arrow, 1944 date, and size 6 and 3/4 stamps. No mothing or damage, excellent example. *Sold*
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#CC10 Canadian Paratrooper Maroon Beret with Original Cap Badge
Original WWII Canadian paratrooper's maroon beret with original Canadian Parachute Corps brass cap badge. The maroon beret is an English made example produced by Kangol Wear Limited in size 7, with broad arrow and 1945 date. The beret is in good lightly worn condition, with just a few small moth nips on the top shown the photos. The brass Canadian Parachute Corps cap badge is the variation produced by the firm MacKenzie-Clay which was located about an hour from Camp Shilo, and the badge features the original flat stamped metal lugs unique to this maker. The cap badge has the expected sharp details under the parachute canopy, and around the maple leafs, there is some remnants of white "silvo" from period polishing (Could be wiped off) we have left the cap badge undisturbed / uncleaned exactly as found. The cap badge and beret have clearly been worn together, the cap badge is well embossed into the felt of the beret leaving no doubts. This is likely the beret the member wore home at the end of hostilities. Excellent set. *Sold*
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#BS35 Cap Comforter
Original WWII 'Cap Comforter' to be fitted over the head and fashioned into cap or worn under the Brodie helmet. These appear in many period photos and were very popular with troops including Commando's and other elite units. Manufactured by J.W.&S Ltd 1943 with British broad arrow. Perfect condition without flaw. *Sold*
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#CD638 Canadian MKII Combat Helmet with Two-Tone Net
Original WWII Canadian MKII helmet with original Canadian two-tone camouflage net. The helmet is a standard Canadian MKII combat helmet with riveted chinstrap bails. It was produced in 1942 by the Canadian Lamp Company, and was part of lot number 72. It still features the original 6 and 7/8 size 1942 V.M.C. liner, factory chinstrap, padding, and correct MKII helmet nut. The net appears to have been on the helmet a long time and we left it as-is in order to not disturb it. Excellent condition complete example that would be great for any collection. *Sold*
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#MA42 MKIII Combat Helmet
Original WWII British / Canadian MKIII combat helmet. The steel shell is manufactured by Briggs Motor Bodies (BMB) in 1945 and the markings are still visible through the rough texture factory paint. The helmet is complete with original BMB 1944 liner, bumpers, helmet pad, bolt/nut, chinstrap bails and chinstrap. The helmet has two-tone Canadian helmet net and a field dressing on it. Period used condition. *Sold*
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#CD677 Canadian MKII Combat Helmet
Original WWII Canadian MKII combat helmet. The helmet is a standard Canadian example with riveted chinstrap bails. It was produced in 1942 by the Canadian Lamp Company, and was part of lot number 57. It still features the original 1943 V.M.C. liner, bumpers, factory chinstrap, padding, and correct MKII helmet nut. Excellent worn condition example that would be great for any collection. *Sold*
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#CD691 Camouflage Scrim Scarf / Veil
Original WWII British / Commonwealth camouflage scrim scarf / veil. Often seen in wear with snipers, airborne, and other front line soldiers. Excellent example, in lightly used condition. *Sold*
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#MA59 MKIII Helmet with Canadian Two-Tone Scrim Net
Original WWII British MKIII helmet, as used by the Canadian Army in Normandy and NWE. Includes a nice Canadian two-tone net that fits snug on the helmet with field dressing and original period applied scrim made of oil cloth. The base helmet is standard wartime British MKIII helmet with 1942 liner. The helmet markings in the steel are too faint to read under the factory texture paint. Great example, ready to complete a Normandy mannequin or helmet display. *Sold*
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#JM17 HSAT Paratrooper Helmet with Scrim Net
Original WWII HSAT (Helmet Steel Airborne Troops) Mk.1 (Helmet, Steel No.5) Canadian / British paratrooper combat helmet. Excellent condition and very lightly used example produced by Gimson & Slater (G&S) in 1943, in size 6-3/8. The helmet features a non-magnetic steel rim, with a leather, web, and sorbo liner with four point leather harness, the often missing crash pad is also still present. The orange sorbo material padding for the liner has turned black, this is typically encountered with all genuine worn examples. The original factory applied camouflage paint matches the shade of other helmets by this maker. All the nuts and bolts are untouched, showing oxidization and clear evidence they haven’t ever been removed. The helmet features a camouflage net with original scrim applied in period fashion, the consignor reports this is how it was found and we have left it completely undisturbed. Excellent example of a paratrooper helmet used by Canadian and British airborne forces. *Sold*
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#CC24 1944 Parachute Regiment Officer's Beret
Original WWII Parachute Regiment officer’s beret. The beret itself is a 1944 Kangol Wear Limited in nice large size 7 5/8, still featuring the original paper tag, string, and grommets without any modifications aside from the mounting of an officer’s quality cap badge. The high-quality parachute officer’s cap badge is manufactured by “LUDLOW LONDON” and marked accordingly on the reverse, we very carefully removed the cap badge to show the details and put it back exactly how it was. The cap badge is well mounted in period fashion with an interesting brass stiffener. Scarce beret and cap badge in excellent condition. *Sold*
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