A very interesting original WW2 British National Fire Service helmet associated with No. 29 Fire Force, Preston, retaining its NFS transfer and distinctive numbered Fire Force marking. What makes this example particularly interesting is the extensive period writing to the underside of the brim, which has been deliberately painted cream/white and used as an operational reference board. The helmet is completely untouched.

Shell & Markings

The exterior retains its original NFS transfer to the front, with the crowned NFS insignia remaining particularly well preserved. Immediately beneath is the oval 29 Fire Force designation, identifying the helmet with No. 29 Fire Force, headquartered at Preston.

The shell displays considerable service wear, scratches and paint loss consistent with use. There are also three dents to the crown, all shown clearly in the photographs. Despite the overall wear, both the NFS badge and 29 marking remain very good and provide an excellent focal point.

Interior & Writing Board

The underside of the brim is undoubtedly the most interesting feature of this helmet. It has been deliberately covered with a thick cream/white painted finish, providing a clear writing surface, and subsequently ruled by hand into numerous individual boxes.

These contain an extensive series of period handwritten operational abbreviations and numbers, including DIV, FFHQ 29 and POLICE, together with numerous associated reference numbers. FFHQ 29 denotes Fire Force Headquarters No. 29. The arrangement strongly indicates that the inside of the helmet was being used as a readily accessible operational reference or writing board by its wartime wearer.

The thick application of this cream/white paint has covered the original shell manufacturer’s and date markings around the underside of the brim.

A separate number, 705470, is clearly written to the interior and is believed to be the wearer’s NFS service number. This provides an interesting avenue for further research and potentially offers the possibility of identifying the original wearer.

Liner & Chinstrap

The helmet retains its original early-pattern liner, manufactured by Helmets Ltd, size 6¾ and dated 1939. The oval crown pad is present but has become very hard and crusted with age. The liner shows considerable age and service wear, as photographed.

The original wartime webbing chinstrap is also still present and shows corresponding wear.

Overall

A very interesting and unusual WWII National Fire Service helmet, firmly associated with No. 29 Fire Force, Preston. The remarkably detailed period writing board around the interior brim gives this helmet considerably more character and historical interest than a standard NFS example and offers genuine potential for further research into its wartime use and original wearer.

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