World War One British Canadian Mark I Brodie Combat Helmet

The Mark I helmet also known as the “brodie”, was named after it’s inventor John Leopold Brodie. Patented in 1915, by summer of 1916 over a million helmets were issued to British and Commonwealth troops. Replacing wool and cloth hats, the Mark I protected the wearer from the constant bombardment of shell fragments and shrapnel. Constructed of non-magnetic meganese and a steel rim, this second pattern Mk. I retains most of the exterior finish. Inside, the liner remains largely intact though missing the chinstrap. Though the netting is in tact, the leather is taught, and the oil cloth has dried. Though illegible, a partial lot number remains of the manufacturer stamping on the skirt.