A superb and increasingly sought-after WWII Cromwell “Protector” Civil Defence helmet, produced in the late 1930s and very early wartime period when steel MkII helmets were in critically short supply.

In the build-up to the Second World War — and especially following Dunkirk — demand for protective headgear far outstripped the capacity of manufacturers producing standard steel helmets. Companies such as Cromwell, already well established in the production of motorcycle helmets, stepped in to supply alternative protective helmets for Civil Defence and Home Front use.

The result was the Cromwell “Protector” — a non-steel composite helmet designed to offer practical protection where standard issue MkII steel helmets were unavailable.

This example is finished in a very attractive wartime green tone, consistent inside and out. Many examples are encountered in black or later overpainted finishes; this uniform green example displays exceptionally well and is, in my opinion, far more visually appealing than the standard black examples commonly seen.

Shell

The shell is of two-piece construction, manufactured from compressed fibreboard/pulp composite material and riveted together — a typical Cromwell method of manufacture.

Most distinctive is the riveted reinforcement flap over the crown — a separate raised section secured with multiple rivets. This is a hallmark feature of the Cromwell Protector design and gives the helmet its instantly recognisable profile.

The shell remains solid with no obvious delamination or structural weakness. The wartime green finish is even and consistent both externally and internally, suggesting period application and good preservation. It presents with honest wear but retains a very strong display presence.

Liner

Fitted with a correct early-war 1940 dated MkII liner by VERO, size 7.

VERO was a well-known and significant manufacturer of liners during the early war period, and their products are consistently encountered in quality Home Front and military helmets of the time.

The liner features the typical MkII cross-pad construction and fixed bumper pad. It remains in excellent condition, with strong material and stitching. The overall state of the liner suggests this helmet has seen very little actual use.

Chinstrap

Fitted with its correct non-elasticated chinstrap. The strap retains good colour and structure and complements the overall excellent condition of the helmet.

Overall

An outstanding example of a WWII Cromwell “Protector” Civil Defence helmet in attractive wartime green finish, complete with a desirable 1940 dated VERO size 7 liner.

These helmets represent an important Home Front story — the rapid expansion of Civil Defence and the industrial effort to provide protective equipment during a time of acute shortage. While not a frontline steel MkII combat helmet, they are an authentic and evocative piece of Britain’s wartime resilience.

A strong display item and a very good example of this increasingly collectable pattern.

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