Leaderboard

Hi, I have already learnt something. So the "turtle" helmet shape, of which this of that style isn't it? Was issued as early as WWII. I never knew that. Looking at the elastic version of the chinstrap compared to the later webbing type it does make sense. I have never owned one as the ones I usually come across are shells only and dated quite late. Now I know a little more about their history though they are more interesting. Great job on cleaning the paint off. Truly good work. thank you for sharing.

Cool bottle - and a wicked nice souvenir/hate belt. If only it could talk. I can't offer much advice on restoration...but everything looks as it should. So much character. I have a WW2 souvenir belt. German belt/buckle with various KM trade badges and other goodies like EKII ribbon and shoulder boards too. It's a very unique piece - they all are. Thanks for sharing! Rob

Yup.....the first "turtle" helmet was issued in '44 and I believe the only Canadian forces to be issued the Mk.III helmet were those involved in the Normandy landings. My example is the Mk.IV (used in Korea along with Mk.II's and also the US M1....so a real mishmash). My MK.Iv has a differeny chinstrap and liner to shell assembly. The chinstrap rivets are also higher up on the shell. The last model (Mk.V) was the same shell but with a different looking liner. Cheers! Rob

if you are careful and I mean you have to be really careful. There are some really good glues that you can apply these days that are used in museums for repairing and stopping stuff falling apart. The other option is find a local cobbler who usually do a lot of renovating or know master leather-workers. It is such a great item to own. I have a very worse for wear Rum bottle holder that has the owners name and regiment on the front, as well as brass plate with "RUM" stamped into it. It is completely unrepairable due to it having been sat on its side in water for a long time and then dried out causing the leather to dry to a crisp on the lid and one side of the flask. So I have applied the TRG to it and left it alone other than that. It is a very interesting item that is so obviously personal. I have struggled to find the owner so far though. Just an example of when something cannot be reversed so you just want to stop the rot as it were.