Original 1938 Dated British Army MKII Steel Helmet

An original 1938 dated British Army MKII Steel Helmet with its original paint finish.

This pattern of helmet came into use with the British Army in the late 1930s and was the standard issue steel helmet by the outbreak of war, although the earlier MK1* helmets were also still being issued at this stage.

This example is clearly dated 1938 to the underside of the helmet rim making it a very early MKII and ideal for a British Expeditionary Force collector or similar. The shell retains a good amount of its original factory applied chocolate brown finish although there is rust and age etc as shown in the pictures.

The liner is the correct early pattern which features an oval shaped pad rather than the later cruciform shaped used from the middle of 1940 onwards. The maker's markings are partially obscured by the pad although the maker's initials of 'J.C.S & W Ltd' and part of the date and size can be made out. The liner is held into the helmet with the correct large size brass screw, as used on these early helmets.

The helmet comes complete with an original chin strap which is in used condition with some of the springs no longer working as they should. This is evident in picture 6. It is, however, almost certainly the original strap to the helmet as all the parts are matching and correct for the year and don't look to have been changed which makes this a very original helmet. 

All in all a very nice early war British Helmet which is unmolested and very original. Ideal for any early war collector!