Bobby Helmets

[John]

I recently saw on Ebay , a Royal Ulster Constabulary 'bobby' helmet. Were these ever issued?

[Craig]

I'm sure most RUC men had a Bobby's Helmet !

[John]

So what did the Gardai have?

[bengullion]

I am certain that the Garda Siochanna only wore flat caps. The helmet was too much a reminder of the "old regime". The Dublin M.P. until it's integration with the Garda in 1922 continued to have helmets with the crown removed from the helmet plate.

[John]

I wonder who's got all those helmet plates now

[Jonny]

Hello,

They were worn in Belfast and Londonderry until the late sixties.

jonny

[Peter Mc]

I recently saw on Ebay , a Royal Ulster Constabulary 'bobby' helmet. Were these ever issued?

Most of the ones appearing on ebay were not 'issued' as such but sold on from RUC stores. They come in two patterns - a distinctive scarce early RUC 'bowler' style and a later 'Christies' type pattern (with the RUC crest badge). Whether they are worth the money now being paid is another question, since there are so many of the later pattern still surviving.