Helmet mystery ? Any opinions?

Discussion in 'WW2 Militaria' started by Mr Jinks, Nov 4, 2018.

  1. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    Hello everyone,

    I am looking for a bit of help on this . Long before I was born a workmate of my Grandfather gave him a helmet which he often referred to as his `pit hat`. My Grandfather had no idea what it was and likewise I never had a clue. Its some sort of fibre,with a sponge (probably perished) inside a leather cover attached to the front.
    This afternoon I was going through some boxes and at the bottom ..`The Pit Hat` A little mis-shapen through years of bad storage I notice in the liner is the War Dept arrow and the number `16` ?
    Looking at it again I think it may be a crash helmet of sorts? Any opinions/help welcomed, Photos below

    Thanks

    Kyle

    20181104_152619.jpg 20181104_152643.jpg 20181104_152610.jpg 20181104_152542.jpg 20181104_152516.jpg 20181104_152455.jpg
     
  2. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

  3. Dave55

    Dave55 Atlanta, USA

    My first guess would be some type of fireman's helmet
     
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  4. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

  5. AB64

    AB64 Senior Member

    Its an RAC crash helmet, so early WW2 tank crew - not sure the official name, there are a few types - I've attached a picture of one of mine (Scots Guards I think)

    Alistair
     

    Attached Files:

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  6. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    Thank you Owen Alistair and Dave . Owen the helmet you posted is (apart from the ear flaps) is identicle (although in much better condition) to the one I am looking at. The link states they were based upon a `Pit Hat` my only concern would have been this was one of the Pit hats the Tank helmet was based on,except for the WD and Broad arrow markings. Thank you both for the input,
    Can you tell me what the `16` signifies please? The WD and Arrow I know to be War Department and the `P` above I believe would be 1941 manufacture?

    Thanks

    Kyle
     
    Last edited: Nov 4, 2018
  7. AB64

    AB64 Senior Member

    The flaps are removable - its a curtain that attaches in to the laces I think and is to hold the earphones. On the stamp - the P ties back to a year, the numbers I'm not sure about, its an inspection stamp so maybe it identifies the inspector

    Alistair
     
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  8. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    Thank you :)

    Kyle
     
  9. ceolredmonger

    ceolredmonger Member

    As I understand it, the design and construction is based on miner's helmets. These were the equivalent of modern 'bump caps'

    The 'pith helmet' was intended to keep the head cool by allowing air circulation hence the over large, rigid, lightweight, form. There was some 'bump' protection however it was only meant to be a one-off (rather like a modern cycle helmet). They would not be practical inside an armoured vehicle.
     

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