Scarce Original WW2 26th Hussar RAC Steel Helmet

A stunning original British Army MK1 Royal Armoured Corps Steel Helmet which belonged to a member of the 26th Hussars.

This pattern of helmet was produced specifically for armoured crews and shares the same shell as the dispatch rider's helmet and the second pattern HSAT airborne helmet. It is sometimes referred to as HSRAC. 

This example left the factory in the standard mid war khaki green paint finish which was used by British Motor Bodies amongst others. This finish is still clearly visible to the inside of the helmet and is typical of mid-war produced helmets. The exterior of the helmet has been refinished in the mid-war S.C.C.2 brown paint which was used from 1941 to early 1944 to paint vehicles as well as ammunition boxes etc. This is a true mid-war in service repaint which has been carefully applied to not cover over the 26th Hussars regimental flashes which were previously applied to each side of the helmet. To the top of the helmet where the paint has worn away the earlier factory paint finish is visible although it has darkened with handling as the light factory coloured paint always does with use. 

The helmet is fitted with an original liner which is held into the helmet with the correct pattern of slotted head brass screw. The maker's initials of 'C. C. L' are stamped onto the liner which denotes Charles Collett Ltd who made liners between 1940 and 1945. The 1944 date is also present. 

Finally is the chinstrap which is again clearly original to the helmet. The original owner has marked his surname as 'BUBB' as well as the last three digits of his service number which offers the prospect of further research. 

A very fine original wartime helmet which would undoubtedly make an incredible addition to any helmet.