An original late 1940's pattern London Fire Brigade black painted cork helmet with the 8 step comb. Manufactured by Helmets Limited of Wheathampstead, the helmet retains its original liner & has the fireman's name "Russell" but no indication of station he served at. The helmet bears the G.L.C badge ( Greater London Council ) which came in 1965 lasting until 1988 when the badge changed to triple crown, the pattern of helmet was continued to be worn from the 1940's until being discontinued for use in 1983, but from the early 1970's these original black helmets were overpainted yellow & the smaller modern yellow Cromwell cork helmets were being issued as replacements. Older firefighters that were issued these 2nd pattern cork fire helmets were still authorised to wear them until a brigade order finally came round in 1983 / 84 banning them from being worn. 
This helmet is in reasonable condition for its age, there is only 1 side that bears part of the original leather chinstrap, it has been repaired at the front part of the comb which is quite common as the front part would be taking any impact damage from low hanging objects. It is common practice to repair them with standard filler & overpaint them which has been done on this particular helmet quite well. 
Overall a nice original helmet in not bad condition.