Scarce Original 1941 Dated British Army Camouflaged RAC Tank Crew Fibre Helmet - RA Flash

A scarce original early Second World War Royal Armoured Corps pattern helmet which was made in 1941 and features a period applied Royal Atrillery Flash to the side and hand painted camouflage finish. 

This pattern of helmet is synonymous with tank crews in the very early part of the Second World War. They are now very rare to find today due to only being produced during the first couple of years of the war. The design is based on miner's helmets of the period and features a fibre shell with extra reinforced section to the crown. There is a sponge to the front and the helmet offers no ballistic protection being designed to protect the head whilst inside an armoured vehicle.

The exterior of the helmet has been overpainted by hand using vehicle paint. The initial coat to be applied over the black finish is G4 Green disruptive camouflage paint as used on the early part of the war on vehicles. The red and blue Royal Artillery flash has then been applied over this on the left side of the helmet. At some stage after this, a roughly applied hand painted coat of G5 Green disrputive paint has been applied in patches, including over the RA flash. This is most likely due to an order being given to camouflage the helmets more specifically. The use of vehicle paint is not uncommon to find on armoured corps helmets as it would have been readily accessible.

Inside the helmet the liner system is intact and appears to be in good condition. The reverse of the leather sweatband bears the War Department acceptance stamp which is surmounted by the letter 'P' which confirms 1941 as the year of manufacture. The original size label is still present and is worn but still partly legible showing the size of 7 1/8.

The overall condition of the helmet is good and it displays well. There are no serious flaws or damage but please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that it is a vintage, pre-worn item which may have small flaws commensurate with age. 

A nice original example with a fantastic period repaint. This would make a nice addition to any WW2 British helmet collection.   

This is a vintage item which is 'sold as seen'