Here we have an original British MKII helmet, produced during the second World War and later reissued in the 1950s for Cold War civil defence use. The front and back is boldly marked N.H.S.R., which stands for the National Hospital Service Reserve.

The helmet retains the majority of its wartime white paint finish, showing honest service wear and patina throughout. The stencilled N.H.S.R. letters remain clear on both sides. inside, the liner is manufacturer marked “FFL II”, identifying it as a product of Fisher-Foile Ltd, a recognised wartime maker. It is dated 1941 and marked as a size 7 1/4. The liner shows typical ageing and some cracking to the rubber components but remains complete, along with its khaki web chin strap.

Faintly inscribed inside the rim is the name “Greta Garbo II”, almost certainly added by its original owner as a touch of humour –  a light hearted nod to the famous Hollywood actress of the 1920s/1930s. This sort of personalisation was quite common during wartime, as servicemen and civilians alike often added small jokes, names, or nicknames to their equipment as a way of bringing a bit of personality into difficult times.

Historical Background:

While the helmet itself was manufactured wartime, the N.H.S.R. (National Hospital Service Reserve) markings date from the 1950s, when Britain reorganised its civil defence system in response to Cold War tensions.