Incredible 1938 Dated British Army Camouflage MKII Steel Helmet - BEF

An incredible 1938 dated British Army MKII steel helmet which has been overpainted in a typical early war camouflage pattern.

This helmet left the factory with a semi gloss chocolate brown paint finish which is evident to the underside of the rim and the inside of the helmet. This was a standard factory paint finish in 1938 and 1939 but proved unpopular with units in France during the Phoney War of 1939-40 and the subsequent battle for France. Many helmets were refinished at unit level with some orders being issued higher up including one ACI which stated that everything from steel helmets to bridges was to be painted Khaki Green No. 3 (Gas proof).

The paint finish on this helmet is particularly special as it has been done using vehicle paint - specifically the dark disruptive G4 and light disruptive colour G5. These colours were only used during the early part of the war before being replaced with a colour call 'Tarmac' in May 1940 which would suggest that this helmet was painted prior to that. Picture 6 nicely illustrates the colours as a piece of the original factory brown finish is still visbile as a stripe down the centre of the dark and light disruptive colours. The light camouflage sections have a rough textured finish which has either been added when the paint has been applied or is due to the pigment or way the paint was mixed / applied. 

The liner appears to be original to the helmet and features the early oval shaped pad to the centre. The maker's name of 'VERO' is present as is the size of 7 1/4 and the 1938 date. The bolt that holds this in place is the early style with large head. This has been removed and refitted upside down which may well suggest that the helmet was fitted with a hessian cover during the Phoney War. When the covers were fitted, many soldiers turned the bolt upside down to allow for it to be tightened easily from the inside as it was not possible to do so from the top when the cover was fitted. These covers could did not work with anti gas regulations and were all removed by May 1940 which again could indicate this helmet was used prior to the battle. 

The chin strap is original to the helmet and is in good condition.

The helmet is in very good condition for its age with signs of use and service wear etc. There are scuffs to the paint, particularly to the top, as well as a large dent. Overall it displays very well. 

A incredible early war helmet which would make a fantastic addition to any collection without a doubt - Especially one with a focus on the BEF.

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