WW1 British Brodie Helmet Shell – WW2 Re-Issue, North Africa / Middle East Use (Relic Condition)

WW1 British Brodie Helmet Shell – WW2 Re-Issue, North Africa / Middle East Use (Relic Condition)

An original British Brodie helmet shell, dating from the First World War and later re-issued for service during the Second World War.

This example is a raw edge Brodie, indicative of earlier WW1 production, and has been re-used in WW2, as evidenced by the presence of a sprung cloth webbing chin strap typical of later wartime modifications.

The helmet retains its sand-coloured overpaint, consistent with issue for troops serving in North Africa or the Middle East, with traces of an earlier green finish visible beneath, suggesting repainting for desert operations.

The liner is no longer present, leaving the shell in honest relic condition, but it remains a highly evocative and displayable piece with clear signs of service across two world wars.

Details:

Origin: United Kingdom

Type: Brodie helmet (raw edge)

Period: WW1 manufacture, WW2 re-issue

Finish: Sand (desert overpaint) with underlying green visible

Chinstrap: Sprung cloth webbing type (WW2 issue)

Liner: Absent

Condition:
Relic condition. Surface wear, paint loss, and age-related deterioration throughout, consistent with field use and long-term storage. No liner remains. Structurally sound as a display piece.

Notes:
Dual-period helmets—manufactured in WW1 and re-issued in WW2—are increasingly desirable, particularly those showing theatre-specific finishes such as desert camouflage. The visible layers of paint and modifications tell a clear story of extended service life.

Ideal For:

Militaria collectors

WW1 & WW2 historians

Battlefield relic collectors

Display or restoration projects

A genuine and characterful example of a British helmet that has seen service across two major conflicts.