This is a police helmet from about 1984 of the South Wales Constabulary. Issued to the rank of Inspector and above for wear at incidents of public disorder that happened in that era.

Inspectors and above, normally wore a flat cap, but for safety and protection from flying missiles, were issued with these helmets.

So that they were quickly and easily identified by other officers, the senior officer helmet had two silver coloured bands around the helmet.

These helmets would have been typically worn during the 1984 / 1985 Miners Strike.

*The Ross Mather Police Memorabilia of Wales Collection.