In stock
Original Excellent WWII British 1942 Dated MkI Dispatch Rider Helmet by Briggs Motor Bodies Ltd. with Eye Shields - size 6 3/4
Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent condition original WWII British MK I Dispatch Rider helmet, which shows very little evidence of use. We believe it to be unissued, with all wear coming from long storage. The shell has original paint with no major dents or dings that we can see, just some light scuffs. The Leather liner and ear flaps are soft and supple and very clean. The leather liner is nicely marked with BMB and dated 1942, and is marked with size 6 3/4 inside a shield. BMB is the marking for Briggs Motor Bodies Ltd., who also made Brodie and other helmets for the British war effort. The wool felt ear padding is still completely intact, which is rare, as it degrades easily. The chin strap snap still works, as does the buckle, and the rear lacing is intact.
The included heavy tint eyeshields are in great shape, and are the type that would have been used during the day. There is still some stretchiness in the elastic, and they have a lovely look.
This is without a doubt one of the finest dispatch rider helmets we have seen! Comes more than ready for display.
The British Dispatch Rider’s Helmet:
The MkII paratrooper helmet shell was also used for dispatch riders during and after World War II. It was introduced in 1942 and features a front pad and leader neck flap that forms a double chinstrap. This is a great example of the classic WWII British Dispatch Rider helmet that will make a great addition to any collection.
With a vital role at a time when telecommunications were limited and insecure, dispatch riders, usually mounted on horseback or motorcycle, were used to carry urgent orders and messages from headquarters to various other military units. When needed, they would also deliver carrier pigeons to units that requested them.
In the British Army, motorcycle dispatch riders were first used in World War I by the Royal Engineers Signal Service. The riders were originally volunteers, some of whom supplied their own machines. The British often referred to dispatch riders as Don R's during World War 2. In World War II, Royal Corps of Signals soldiers carried out the role and the Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team was formed from their number. They were also used by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, where they maintained contact with land bases and some of the riders were members of the Women's Royal Naval Service. The British military often used Triumph Motorcycles for this purpose.
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