Unique WW2 British Dispatch Rider or Paratroopers Helmet made into a “Pull-A-Long” Toy Tortoise

Here on offer is what appears to be a WW2 British Dispatch Rider or Paratroopers Helmet that has made into a wonderful “Pull A Long” Toy Tortoise.

I am no expert when it comes to WW2 helmets, but I am pretty sure it isn’t a Paratroopers Helmet, as I believe these where constructed of steel and this one is made from fibre.

The old gent I bought it from along with some edged weapons, was sure it had been used as a Paratroopers Helmet during the D-Day landings, as some of the troops liked the lighter weight of the fibre Helmets over the steel versions?

Sadly there is no provenance to support the story, so only the helmet itself knows its history!

I think this was a shellac- coated fibre motorcycle Dispatch Rider`s helmet and the bottom section has been trimmed off to leave a nice tortoise shell shaped dome.

It has been lovingly converted into a “Pull A Long” Toy, by adding a wooden frame to the base, which in turn has been fitted with four wooden wheels. There is a nicely carved tortoise head which connects to an offset front axle, so when it is pulled along by the string, the head moves backwards and forwards through the large whole in the front. It really works well!

There is also a short stubby wooden tail, nailed to the back of the Helmet. (The nails have worked loose but can be hammered back in place if required.

Most of lining has been removed from inside the Helmet, but the black rubbery inner liner is still stuck to the inside top section.

I can only make out one internal mark (by the tail), which looks like a mirror image number ‘4’.

It looks to have been painted with a olive green paint, then yellow and black markings have been added to imitate the shell sections of a tortoise.
The face and tail also retain the original paint, the face even has a slot craved into it for its mouth!

It is just a great piece of home made WW2 ‘Trench Art’, that hopefully provided his child with hours of fun after the drama of WW2.

Makes a great and unusual addition to any Helmet collection.

A unique piece and I am sure you wont find another like it!

It measures 13.5” (34.3cm) long with the head extended and to the tip of the tail.

It is 7.4” (19cm) wide and weighs 700g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 50091