This is a vintage pressed steel “Brodie style” toy helmet, finished in olive drab and hand-painted to the front with “RAF.” in silver.

Modelled loosely on the iconic British WW2 Tommy helmet shape, this example was produced as a children’s play or fancy dress item rather than as genuine military issue. The fluted pressed rim, lightweight steel construction and simple cord chinstrap are all typical of mid-20th century toy manufacture.

The helmet retains its period olive finish with honest age-related wear, surface rusting and patina throughout, giving it an appealing well-used look. The hand-painted “RAF.” marking appears to have been applied later and adds character, though it is not a factory or official marking. There is no internal liner present, and the chinstrap consists of a simple cord secured through punched holes in the shell.

While inspired by the British WW2 Brodie helmet design, this is not a wartime issued piece. Instead, it represents the kind of military-themed toy or fancy dress helmet that remained popular in the years during and after the war.

The helmet remains structurally sound and displays honest age-related wear consistent with mid-century manufacture. There are a couple of shallow dents to the crown and some minor misshaping to sections of the fluted rim, likely from storage or use. The olive drab finish shows surface wear, light rust spotting and general patina, though it is notably less corroded than many comparable examples. The chinstrap remains present and secure. Overall, it presents well with attractive character and retains a strong display presence despite the expected signs of age.

A nice mid-century militaria-style collectible, ideal for display alongside vintage RAF memorabilia, toy collections, or as an affordable decorative piece with period character.