jholl72 Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 (edited) Hi guys, I picked up my first Wolseley helmet at flea market this past weekend. I believe it to be a WWII era, authentic helmet. Although I am always open to corrections. The writing on the liner and the sweatband is where I really would like some opinions. It all appears to hand written and certainly looks old, to me at least. The writing on the liner is Trinidad Jan 1942, the sweat band says SS Athina Livanos and Edgar Taylor Wireless Operator. The Greek cargo ship Athina Livanos SS was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine on November 29th, 1943, in the Gulf of Aden. Nine of her crew and two passengers were lost. What might the relationship between Trinidad, Greek merchant ship and a wireless operator be and would he have a Wolseley pattern helmet? Any thoughts, ideas or opinions are always welcome..thanks, Jeff Edited August 25, 2009 by jholl72 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jholl72 Posted August 25, 2009 Author Share Posted August 25, 2009 inside Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jholl72 Posted August 25, 2009 Author Share Posted August 25, 2009 markings on liner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jholl72 Posted August 25, 2009 Author Share Posted August 25, 2009 inside... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jholl72 Posted August 25, 2009 Author Share Posted August 25, 2009 Maybe its a civilian helmet???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jholl72 Posted August 25, 2009 Author Share Posted August 25, 2009 name Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Bates Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Hi Jeff, I am afraid that it is not a Wolseley helmet. I have heard it called the "Standard Pattern" but do not have any corroborating evidence. It does look like the style worn by sailors in the 1920s and '30s. It is similar to the civilian Shikari helmet which was used a lot in hunting. British officers probably used it when off duty to preserve their expensive Wolseleys. Here is a photo of sailors from HMS Tarantula in Canton in 1937. Note the similarity of the helmet to theirs. Stuart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jholl72 Posted September 30, 2009 Author Share Posted September 30, 2009 Thanks for the information Stuart! I went back to square one and came up with this one. Hopefully this one is my first Wolseley helmet. :blush: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jholl72 Posted September 30, 2009 Author Share Posted September 30, 2009 Side shot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jholl72 Posted September 30, 2009 Author Share Posted September 30, 2009 front Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jholl72 Posted September 30, 2009 Author Share Posted September 30, 2009 back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jholl72 Posted September 30, 2009 Author Share Posted September 30, 2009 liner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jholl72 Posted September 30, 2009 Author Share Posted September 30, 2009 stamp on liner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jholl72 Posted September 30, 2009 Author Share Posted September 30, 2009 WD stamp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Bates Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 Jeff, this is indeed a Wolseley. It has Vero's patented detachable headband and a patented drop foil lining. Helmets Ltd were based in Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire. Stuart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jholl72 Posted September 30, 2009 Author Share Posted September 30, 2009 Thanks for confirming that for me Stuart, I actually learned something after that last helmet. Thanks also for the additional information, I appreciate your help. :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Bates Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 Hi Jeff, I take it you have an interest in Wolseleys. There is a topic devoted to them on the forum and you can see plenty in my Collectors Showcase topic. I am also just finishing off a book devoted to the Wolseley (www.militarysunhelmets.com) so feel free to ask questions if you need to. Stuart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jholl72 Posted October 1, 2009 Author Share Posted October 1, 2009 Hi Jeff, I take it you have an interest in Wolseleys. There is a topic devoted to them on the forum and you can see plenty in my Collectors Showcase topic. I am also just finishing off a book devoted to the Wolseley (www.militarysunhelmets.com) so feel free to ask questions if you need to. Stuart Hi Stuart, I had found that thread after buying that first helmet and it indeed did help me with this second purchase. Being a novice Wolseley collector it's great to have someone experienced to confirm what you think you learned.LOL! I am most interested in your book and look forward to getting a copy. BTW, I have just checked out your collection thread and all I can say is WOW! I can only aspire to have a headgear collection like that! One Wolseley at time I guess. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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