WWI South African Police Brodie?

[aussie_1]

Another one of my strange birds this one I believe (A wild guess) to be S.A. Police only because I cannot find any other reference to the insignia on the side. I have found some information that there was a Mounted Police Company fighting in France. Also there is a black band painted just under the insignia around the circumference of the helmet now what does that signify?? I sourced the helmet from a non collector SA friend who had found it in a box being cleared out of stores in SA along with several others and told to take his pick! many years ago. Any help concerning the helmet would be greatfully appreciated. Helmet is marked FS I believe Thomas Firth & Sons. Thanks Aussie1. (Roy)