British Police Bobby Hat

British Custodian Helmet

This is the British police custodian helmet, the tall felt-covered "bobby hat" worn by foot-patrol constables in England and Wales. Each one carries a force badge on the front, so the helmet identifies the constabulary that issued it. Collectors, reenactors, film and theater wardrobe departments, and anyone who wants a real piece of British policing history rather than a costume copy will find what they are after here.

Features

• Custodian Helmet Profile — The domed crown and full brim give the outline that has marked out the British beat constable for generations.
• Black Felt Shell — The body is finished in dense black felt over a rigid form, so the helmet keeps its shape.
• Brunswick Star Force Badge — The front plate is the eight-pointed, sunburst-style star used by British police, topped with a crown and carrying the force name around the center.
• Force Badge Varies — Helmets come from different constabularies, and the photos show examples including Metropolitan, Essex, Sussex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and South Wales.
• EIIR Royal Cypher — Many badges carry the EIIR monogram, the cypher of Queen Elizabeth II, which dates the helmet to her reign.
• Patent Band And Brim Edge — A glossy black band circles the base of the crown, and the brim has a matching black trim.
• Side Ventilation Eyelets — Small metal-ringed vents on each side let heat escape from under the dome.
• Adjustable Chin Strap — A black strap with a slide buckle runs from inside the helmet and sets the fit under the chin.
• Top Fitting On Some Helmets — Certain forces finish the crown with a chrome comb or crest piece above the badge, as some of the photos show.

Force Badges And Detail

Every British force has its own badge design within the shared star-and-crown pattern. The Essex badge shows three seaxes, Staffordshire the Stafford knot, Suffolk a castle and Sussex a tower with martlets, while some forces use enamel color in the center ring and others stay plain chrome. Because the badge and top fitting depend on the issuing force, the helmet you receive may differ from the one pictured on the mannequin. Every one is genuine police issue, which is the reason collectors want it.