Description
Product Description: A nice example of a Camouflage MK IV Helmet, which were used by both Canadian and British Forces late in World War II and into the post war era. The helmet exhibits an overall “salty” appearance, with areas of its original textured paint poking through period applied burlap that is held in place by a camouflage net. The steel rim exhibits paint loss which is common with these helmets. Burlap and net are over 50% intact with areas of fraying and scattered areas of surface rust on the shell. This Camouflage Mk IV Helmet is complete with its original liner that exhibits somewhat stiff leather pads. both bails remain attached and retain the original canvas chinstrap. The liner is also salty in appearance and is affixed to the helmet by the Mk IV’s “lift-the-dot” fastener. The metal components of the chinstrap exhibit oxidation. The helmet appears to be dated “1944” beneath the leather on one of the metal straps. The date would indicate that this is an early issued example of this helmet, as they entered production in April 1944, meaning this helmet could have been used on D-Day. The salty appearance with the burlap cover and net adds credence to this theory. This is a very nice British World War II Camouflage Mk IV Helmet that displays an honest “been there” combat appearance. These Mk IV helmets are hard to come by, especially with original camouflage.
Historical Description: The Mk IV Helmet was based off its predecessor, the Mk III helmet, which was first developed for the British Army in 1941 by the Medical Research Council. Although designed in 1941, the helmet was not manufactured until late 1943 due to production issues. The Mk III helmets were first issued to troops in April 1944 and then worn in combat for the first time by both British and Canadian soldiers on D-Day. Mk III helmets were designed to provide better protection for the side of the head than its predecessor, the iconic Brodie helmet, which were worn by Commonwealth forces throughout both World Wars. Mk III and Mk IV helmets are sometimes referred to as the “turtle” helmet by collectors, because of their vague resemblance to a turtle shell. The Mk III gradually replaced the Brodie helmet from 1944 onwards and was itself replaced by the Mark IV helmet, which it closely resembled. The differences were that the rivets attaching the chinstrap to the helmet were placed much lower down on the shell and the use of a “lift-the-dot” fastener for the liner. These modifications allowed the Mk IV to be utilized for carrying water. The Mk IV helmet was finally replaced In 1985 by the nylon fibre Mark 6 helmet which ended this iconic design in the British military.
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