home / BELUM.W2014.239

MILITARIA

Object Name
Helmet
Maker
Firth & Sons (Primary maker)
Date Made
1915-1918
Description
Khaki Brodie style helmet with leather lining and chin strap. Painted black interior. Marked FS 122. Firth & Sons produced these helmets for British, American & Canadian troops during the First World War. This helmet was produced c.1915-18 and was later re-used during the Second World War for civilian purposes. Contains original lining and rubber ring c.1917. There is evidence of the lettering SFP on the front of the helmet. SFP stood for Special Fire Control volunteers, often called Street Fire Party or Sector Fire Party. These Fire Guards were civilian volunteers. A mark up of this style of helmet was available to buy at about 6 shillings in 1940. Factory workers could also purchase them to protect them while in work, factories were targeted by bomber planes. This helmet is an example of someone reusing a FWW helmet.
Materials
steel
Place Collected

Catalogue Number
BELUM.W2014.239
Notes
National Museums NI
National Museums NI holds over a million objects in the collection, as well as this we manage the records and associated images for each object through a working database. The national collection has been almost 200 years in the making, and we recognise that thinking about collecting and collections has evolved over this time and continues to evolve. As a result, some of our records may contain language and views that we now consider offensive and unacceptable, for example, reflecting racist attitudes. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to reviewing and updating our records accordingly. Working with researchers, communities and academic partners we are learning more about the stories behind objects, and we are committed to sharing these with our audiences. We welcome feedback. Please email [email protected]