British MkIII Turtle pattern helmet
Article about: Hello Ade, Here's a post war Turtle given to me by a friend who found it in a garage. Mk IV 1954, manufactured by CCL. Do you know who CCL were? Cheers, Guy.
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06-19-2017, 09:13 AM
#171
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06-19-2017, 10:36 AM
#172
The screw top, high side rivets and underlying browny colouring say WW2 / MkIII to me......but the upper (immaculate) paint finish and liner say post-war-refurb....to me at least.
You'll be lucky to see any stamps (they're usually at the rear (less slopey bit just behind the headband) due to the paint.....but I'd be surprised if it's not a wartime date...and please don't get the heat-gun or Nitromoors out to make sure!
'really nice piece.....'doesn't look like it saw any post re-furb action but......
...well, that's what I think anyway......but there are a lot more others who know more about them.....lets see.......
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06-19-2017, 12:05 PM
#173
Thanks Composite.
If only it could talk?! I had a feeling it was a mkIII, But without removing the paint and ruining it we can only say, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck...
It has some wear and tear as if someone has used it, but like you say who's to tell if it saw action? If it did, the wearer really took pride in his kit, or maybe it had a cover/net? Or more likely, never saw action...
For what it is its a tidy example and will go in the display cabinet with my more favoured lids.
Best part is its my size.
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06-19-2017, 09:11 PM
#174
From all that I have read, the Mark III was produced in 1941 (a batch) and in ernest from November '43 to some time in '46. Thus, the shell could be from WWII era or just afterwards. I agree that yours probably has been refurbished and given a newer liner. By the way, this thread demonstrates nicely that (if marked at all) the shell stamps are in the flange at a 90-degree angle from the rim (BMB) or are near and parallel to the rim (other manufacturers). Even if stamped, the paint may have been applied too thickly to discern (a collector's lament). Speaking of paint, collectors have remarked that "the older the Mark III, the lighter green the paint." True of my 1944 but so so true of my 1943 (unless the latter was redone).
Good luck.
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06-19-2017, 09:20 PM
#175
Jack,
the Mk3 production line finished in early 45, the first Mk3's were khaki green, like most military helmets at that time.Then they were factory finish dark brown.
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06-30-2017, 03:14 PM
#176
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07-27-2017, 02:21 PM
#177
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07-27-2017, 04:52 PM
#178
There were more than that (no I didn't buy any) yours was probably the pick of the bunch.
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08-20-2017, 05:18 PM
#179
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08-20-2017, 05:42 PM
#180
I believe the liner is a reproduction, they are made by Soldier of Fortune, International Military Antiques etc.
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