WW1 British Raw Edge Magnetic Brodie Helmet

First World War British other ranks “A” pattern, raw edge magnetic Brodie helmet. The exterior of the helmet has its green – brown paint finish which is quite worn. I couldn’t say whether this was the original or has been re-painted in WW2. The helmet is in good order has no splits and both chinstrap securing posts. There appears to be a manufactures mark stamped to the underside of the brim, however this is faint due to the paint finish. A good example of a rare Brodie helmet.

The initial batch of Brodie helmets ordered by the War Office was around 25000, however these were quickly deemed unsuitable due to the fact that the mild steel had poor ballistic capabilities and is said that the helmets affected compasses due to their magnetic properties. It is thought that around only 4000 magnetic “A” pattern Brodies were produced. The non-magnetic “B” pattern Brodie was then produced by Hadfield steel being made from non-magnetic manganese steel. This was said to be approximately three times stronger.