British MK2 helmet, Civil Defense.

[Jimir]

Hi guys
I acquired this helmet in the early 80’s but have only dug it out recently to have a good look at it. Unfortunately it has some areas of heavy corrosion.

It’s a MK2 with a stainless steel rim and non magnetic shell. The chinstrap lugs are marked 1938 II. The liner is a Mk1 liner dated 1939.

The colour of the shell seems neither grey or Green, any opinions on whom it might have been issued to?

[BlackCat1982]

Why civil defence, it could have been issued to Home Guard or Army?

[Jimir]

I found it in the out building of a farm along with three similar helmets. Unfortunately the building wasn’t watertight and all of them were in various states of corrosion, the one I recovered being the best of a bad bunch.

Due to the location of the find I assumed it was home front issue rather than army. I posted some more pictures, does the colour match the colour of regular army helmets produced in the late 30’s.

[tinlid]

Looking at the unpainted Mk2 chin strap lugs and smooth painted exterior, I'd say it was a private purchase home front.

[Jimir]

Tin lid

Thanks, I was wondering if the unpainted chinstrap lugs were signifigent. Its interesting that a helmet with a stainless steel rim, non magnetic shell and non magnetic chinstrap springs was available to the public, I would have thought that a helmet with those specs would have been reserved for military use.

Around the same time period I also managed to acquire a MK.II 2C from an local factory which was owned by my friends father. It’s the type commonly referred to as a Homeguard helmet but I believe this helmet was used by the factory workers during air raids. Picture attached.

[tinlid]

Although the HG were glad to get any type/ colour painted helmets, especially in the first few months, year of the war.
HG like the army, were painted textured khaki green on the outside.

[Jimir]

Thanks Tinlid for all your assistance you’ve been a tremendous help.