05/14/04

FAQ's BADGES AND HELMETS

Due to the way that early helmets were made and the materials that they were made from, several problems can arise as they get older.

 Most collectors will at some time come across the old " Corkers" these are helmets that were made from cork, bearing in mind that officers would have to wear these for most of the day, this lightweight material was ideal. The outer part of the helmet shell was covered in a Melton type cloth or even in some forces fur !, the inside of the shell was covered in a waxed green leatherette type material. both coverings were glued to the cork shell which kept it strong and reasonably waterproof. The edge around the rim of the helmet was trimmed in leather then later plastic, the Sweatbands that go around the inside of the helmet were usually leather on early types. These are in my view far more collectable, and valuable, most were phased out in the 1980`s certainly in the Metropolitan Police anyway, though the City of London does still issue Cork helmets for everyday wear.

The outer bands on helmets today are made from,  Black Metal, Chrome Metal, Black plastic and Cloth

When looking at this type,  especially the earlier helmets, you should check to make sure that the cork is still firm and has not crumbled or turned to dust, this is usually easy to see, but some very gentle pressure around the top and sides will soon show if there are any problems. The green material will have often come away from the cork inside the shell, and the leather sweat band can become loose. You should bear in mind that this has been in contact with an officers forehead for many years! so the acids in the sweat will eventually have some effect on the stitching which will eventually rot away.

 With older Helmets the leather sweat bands can also become dry and brittle, again this is something to be aware of.

Older helmets, depending on where and how they have been stored are also prone to attacks by moths! so you should also look for signs of moth damage, if you do buy a helmet with moth damage make sure that you kill all the larvae before storing or displaying.

 Below are some pictures  that demonstrate the different types of liners and sweatbands that you can get with helmets, this is NOT a definitive guide but just to give the collector an general idea of the number of different types there are with the modern reinforced helmets. These were introduced by most Police Forces in the UK after severe Civil Disorder problems in the 1980's,along with the change in the helmet manufacturing process, many Police Forces started to adopt more colourful helmet plates as well.

Please click on the thumbnails for a bigger picture.

The most common problem with modern issue  "Public Order" type helmets is with the sweat band. Modern helmets, to comply with health and safety regulations (as well as budgets) have a liner made of dense foam rubber instead of a leather sweatband. needless to say, a helmet that is worn will absorb sweat and in consequence the rubber or foam material begins to degenerate after time, turning into a waxy or dry powder like substance, some new collectors will be overjoyed when the helmet they just bought arrives on their doorstep... only to panic when they open the box, and as they lift the helmet,  see a pile of dirty looking dust and debris fall out of the helmet. DO NOT WORRY, this is quite normal and does not affect the rest of the helmet. MOST helmets have a thin gauze type material that holds the foam in place. Most of the time, this stays intact, all you have to do is brush out the worst of the foam then gently Hoover out the rest, the inside of your helmet will look as good as new (almost).

Another problem that occurs more often on Modern reinforced helmets, is that where the outer Material lifts from the plastic body, causing what looks like bubbles or ripples in the material, it is not really a big problem as there are various ways to get it back flat. They are also more prone to nicks and cuts in the fabric due to the weight.  These should be checked thoroughly for nicks and tears in the fabric , and on the trim along the rim of the helmet, this can split and the stitching can come loose, if you check first, you will be aware of it, then you can decide if you are able to repair it or at least make it presentable.

We have seen recently a lot of helmets being offered for sale that have the wrong badges on, even to the point of one chap selling  the wrong helmet for the force, with a visor cap badge instead of a helmet plate. Now many collectors will know, but new collectors may not,  so at the risk of coming across as a bit too obvious I have shown a photo of a Helmet plate and a cap badge side by side for a size comparison. On aaverage a modern helmet plate is about 4 inches across and 5 inches high, a cap badge is 1.5 inches wide by 2 inches high. Though this is a rough guide.

 Caring for your Helmet

Generally helmets can be kept in tidy condition by just being brushed regularly You can use a Stiff bristle clothes brush or one of the  velour type brushes. Starting at the top of the helmet you should brush downwards towards the metal/plastic band and work your way around the top part. once this is done the brim should be brushed one way, left or right, around the edge in a complete circle.

 Remember that the helmets have been made to last and to go out in all weathers so using a damp cloth will not hurt either.

Do not display your helmet in direct sunlight as the material will soon fade to a lighter shade of purple.

Avoid if possible removing the badge and Rose/Ball Top or Comb ( batwings) as repeated removal will cause them to become loose especially on the older Cork helmets, on the Modern helmets with blade prong type fittings the prongs will soon snap.

If your Helmet has a Black helmet plate (painted type)  Don't be tempted to take the plate off and repaint it as may collectors like them to be as original as possible.

Should your helmet plate have lug type fittings, Match sticks make a good replacement for any of the small retaining dowels that keep the plate in place.

For collectors who own the older type White summer issue helmets (cork type) these were originally cleaned using "Blanco" but  any white training shoe or Plimsoll cleaner ( for canvas ) will do just as well.