Lot 416a: A Second World War British Mk II Civil Defence Helmet
A Second World War period British Mk II steel helmet, of the type commonly referred to as the Brodie pattern. The exterior shell features a heavy, coarse-textured off-white overpaint, characteristic of equipment issued to British Home Front and Civil Defence personnel to ensure high visibility during the blackout. The interior of the shell retains an original dark olive drab factory finish. The helmet is fitted with a standard Mk II liner comprising a black oilcloth headband and a cruciform rubber crown pad, fastened by a central nut and bolt. It retains its Mk III elasticated webbing chinstrap mounted on sprung lugs. Two adhesive labels are affixed to the exterior brim: one orange label handwritten 416A and one white label printed 22. No manufacturer or date stamps are visible on the metal rim or liner components.
Condition report:
The helmet is in good original condition. The exterior textured paint shows expected age-related wear, including minor abrasions, small areas of surface oxidation, and ingrained dust. The interior liner is complete but the materials appear aged and somewhat brittle, with notable dust accumulation. The Mk III chinstrap is present, although the internal elastic has likely perished or lost tension over time.
Share this lot: