WW2 British NFS Leading Fireman’s Brodie Helmet 1939 – Gosford Newcastle - Named to C B CARNEGIE
Here on offer is a WW2 British NFS, National Fire Service, Leading Fireman’s brodie helmet dated 1939. It is linked to the NFS Service Division of Gosford Newcastle named to C B CARNEGIE.
In September 1915 a design patented by John Brodie was selected as the British Army’s standard head protection. The design meant the helmet could be cut from a single sheet of steel, and then pressed to form a ‘soup bowl’ shape. This made the helmet stronger, and easier to produce.
The Mark II was introduced in 1938 and featured a new shell with a non-magnetic rim (so that the wearer could use a magnetic compass) and the new liner and chinstrap used in the Mark I*. Early production went to the ARP services, the fire brigade and the police.
On the outside of the green Khaki painted helmet it has the original stencil for the NFS with a King’s crown and a single narrow red band that denotes this was a Leading Fireman’s helmet. On the lip it has the number 1 in an oval stencil that relates it to the WW2 NFS Service Division at Gosforth, Newcastle.
The helmet actually in great condition with some areas of light surface rust and chips to the paint around the edge. There is just one tiny dent near the top. The original NFS stencil has lost some of the image as has the red band, please see my photos.
On the underside of the metal rim, it is scratched on one side with the Leading Fireman’s name, C G CARNEGIE.
On the other side it is stamped with H.F.M that relates to the helmet maker, but as yet I can’t identify who the maker was?
It is also stamped with: W D 1 1939, indicating the helmet was made in 1939 and has actually been fitted with an earlier produced liner, that was made in 1938.
Inside the helmet is still has its original leather headband, five leather tabs, shoelace (now broken in half) and oval crown pad, along with the securing nut and bolt.
It also still retains the original canvas chinstrap with metal buckle.
Then on one of the four liner straps, it is stamped with:
7
VERO
I
1938
This means it is a UK size 7 and was made in 1938 by VERO, which is Everett W. Vero & Co of London.
On one of the other liner straps it is stamped with an arrow cutting through a ‘C’ and the number 536. I have no idea what that relates too?
I have cleaned any dust off of the helmet and applied a thin coat of Renaissance wax, as used in museums to protect metal, paint etc from the elements.
It measures approximately 12” (30.4cm) by 11.25” (28.5cm) and weighs a heavy 1Kg.
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: 51621