Mismatched CE Heinke & Siebe Gorman Pearler Helmets

This helmet is on permanent display at Forktree Brewing Co. located at 935 Forktree Road, Carrickalinga.: -

(Photo taken by David Muirhead)

I first shared these details on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DPF5YGSug/ .

It was on that post that Steve Simmons suggested tha

t this bonnet would be circa 1940-1942, probably 1941. He said that the nuts could be replaced. He was wondering if the bonnet number match those on the face plate.

Will Zambo thought that these parts are “an interesting looking mismatch”, adding “The early 1940’s serial number visible on the Siebe faceplate hopefully matches the bonnet’s serial number. The CE Heinke breastplate’s serial number’s date description however is wrong. This breastplate is actually dated to 1905. Overall, from a collector’s point of view, the value of this item would be considerably affected by it being a mismatch of different makes and of missing/reproduction parts.”

Peter Stephenson submitted this photo of another mismatch, this Siebe Gorman corselet, (from the Torres Strait): -

(Photo taken by Peter Stephenson)

Will Zambo went on to make the following comments: -

“I’ve seen a number of mismatched CE Heinke and Siebe Gorman pearler helmets, which were used at the Torres Strait.

"The numbers that I can see on the (Heinke) breastplate #122 and the bonnet’s neck-ring, which appears to be #117 are not serial numbers! These are very much likely the numbers corresponding to pearl luggers, where the helmets were utilised on. The numbers are close in digits, as owners of the luggers usually had a few boats to their name and had a few helmets in use as well.

“Please look for a set of serial numbers on the “inside rear” of the Siebe breastplate/corselet. This number should be clearly visible if you invert the helmet. The area to see is marked with a red arrow”: -

(Photo taken by Will Zambo)

“This will give us an indication of the age of the breastplate. Heinke bonnets sometimes had their “4 digit” serial numbers stamped on their neck rings! (Always 4 numbers, not 3.) This bonnet appears to be older than the Siebe breastplate it is attached to.

“Please let me know if you find the Siebe breastplate’s serial number. Then I can assist you further.”

Michael Burchett commented, “An interesting marriage of a Siebe Gorman bonnet and Heinke pearler type gunmetal corselet. The bonnet neck ring may have been altered/replaced to fit the corselet neck ring. The SG face plate serial (15191) indicates an age year of c.1942. However, the serial number found on the inside rear of the bonnet’s neck ring would need to be found to verify its age. It may or may not match the face plate serial. The Heinke corselet (serial 6599) is from the earlier serial numbering sequence and is c.1905. The straps appear to be reproduction, but at least they do the helmet justice.”

I have been trying to establish the providence behind the helmet. I asked Forktree Brewing Co. to take a close look at it for me, but they said that it is in a sealed case. They told me that the helmet had been donated by a patron of theirs. They then confirmed

that it has come from the late Bob Ramsay.

This hard hat helmet was displayed at Bob Ramsay’s wake after he died in 2019: -

(Photo taken by Steve Reynolds)

(My thanks go to David Muirhead, Will Zambo and Peter Stephenson for their photos and comments above. Thanks also to Steve Simmons and Michael Burchett for their comments.)