*British, Cold War era – 1950’s Issue, MkIV ‘Turtle’ Helmet with Liner & Chinstrap*
An original British Army MkIV steel helmet dating from the early post-WWII period, most likely the 1950s. This model was a development of the wartime MkIII “Turtle” helmet, with a deeper bowl and lowered chinstrap lugs designed for improved stability and protection. The helmet retains its original green textured paint, though patches of earlier red paint are faintly visible underneath, indicating possible reissue or overpainting during its service life. The shell shows light wear consistent with age and use, but no cracks or structural damage.
Inside, the helmet features its original black plastic cruciform liner, a type commonly fitted during the 1950s and early 1960s. The liner is heavily cracked and deteriorated, but all components, including the crown pad and fabric suspension, remain present. The webbing chinstrap is intact and shows service wear, with green oxidisation on one of the buckles. Scratched into the interior are the names “MARK” and what appears to be “ABERCRORY”, likely done by the original owner. Though not officially marked with a date or maker, the construction and features are fully consistent with British MkIV production from the early Cold War period.
The Mk IV moved the chinstrap lugs lower on the shell for a better fit and introduced the lift-the-dot liner system, allowing the helmet shell to double as a water container. The Mk IV was the British Army’s final steel helmet before composite types were introduced. Its “turtle” shape offered approximately 38% more protection than the earlier Mk II, particularly to the sides and rear of the head. Helmets like this were used during the Korean War, Malayan Emergency, and Cold War deployments, with many early examples supplied to France and other allies under military aid programs.
*Condition*
Shell very good, liner poor but present, chinstrap complete. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQBO_2562140525
