British Mk2 "desert camo"

[OldSteel]

Hello friends,
to your attention this British Mk2 desert tan:
Shell RO&CO FZ II /1940
Liner TTC II /1940
for me it is a first equipment for troops destined at north african theater, for the tonality used and because it had a unique camo painting sand color outside, while inside is standard Army color.
I think this camouflage was used in Africa and during the first period of the italian campaign: Pantelleria, Sicily..and Salerno, but in this case in limited quantities, together with other in darker color, or in sand with brown spots.
It seems interesting and I would like your opinions.

Thanks
Roberto



PS: I've always been very interesting at the war in the desert and in Italy; I share with you this comparison, our Mk2 with two "old enemies" original of period: on left a italian M33 helmet and on right a italian tropical helmet mod. 1928.
Are three protagonist of the great african battles.
For accurately, the mod. 1928 belonged to a veteran of the East African campaign of 1935-36, but it was widely used until El Alamein.
I hope it is for you a good vision.

cheers

[tinlid]

Hi Roberto, The first troops out in Africa late 30's /1940, would most likely have been issued the Mk1*
Yours is a nice army with standard khaki green textured paint, not a camo.
Here's a selection of army Mk2's, all vary in colour due to where they have been stored for the last 70+ years. Plus also how they were treated when in use.

[FALLSCHIRMJAGER]

Nice tan painted helmet, I super condition as well, thanks for showing it. Leon.

[OldSteel]

thanks for explanation tinlid!
a question please: this color was used generically in all fronts during the period when it was in use?

[Jerry B]

Hard to tell the true colour of the lid, in most the exterior looks a dirty tan but in the 2nd pics, the close up of the chin strap lug rivet, it looks standard greyish green.

[SMP]

Aaron is quite correct - a standard Army helmet as used on all fronts from 1938 onwards.

Nice display of military MKIIs Aaron !

[tinlid]

Thanks Steve, one i think is now yours.

[SMP]

Thanks Steve, one i think is now yours.

Really? which one ?

[tinlid]

Was it the fourth picture with the name and number on the outside?