British Army Brodie steel helmet War Office Pattern : K Trench, Pozieres

British Army issue War Office Pattern steel helmet originally painted inside and out with an apple green finish. The width of the brim is 32mm at the front and back and 43mm at the sides. The original liner has been replaced with one for a Mark I helmet , although the original composite felt pad in the crown (round rather than oval) has been retained. A copper rivet and nickel-plated washer at the apex of the helmet holds the brown leather chinstrap in place. The strap has a nickel-plated sliding buckle for adjustment. Attached to the chin strap assembly by a split pins is the headband consisting of an outer leather band with twelve tubular rubber cushions set into it. The leather is further padded on the inside with a band of canvas and lint covered cotton wool that has a band of net with a drawstring cord sewn to the upper edge for further fit adjustment. The padded band is protected on the inside with a band of black leatherette fabric. The inside of the crown has been roughly painted white at the time the liner was replaced. At the same time the outer surface of the helmet has been repainted with a matte khaki finish mixed with sand.

This helmet, once worn by a British soldier, was recovered on 16 September 1917, from a shell hole near 'K' Trench, the scene of fierce fighting during the Battle of Pozieres in July and August 1916.