*British, WW2, MkII Steel Helmet, with Scrim Net Liner & Chin Strap, Dated June 1941, Maker Marked J.S.S., Size 56*
A fine and completely original example of the British Mark II steel combat helmet, manufactured by Joseph Sankey & Sons (J.S.S.) and dated June 1941. This helmet was produced during the height of wartime issue and retains all the correct features expected of an early-mid war MkII model.
The shell is constructed from pressed mild steel and fitted with a non-magnetic stainless steel rim, as per the original 1938 specification. This non-magnetic rim was designed to prevent interference with magnetic compasses in the field — a requirement that was later dropped in some cases due to wartime material shortages. The helmet is finished in textured khaki-green paint, now showing service wear and patina consistent with genuine wartime use.
Fitted to the helmet is its original black oilcloth liner, size 56, mounted on the correct cruciform aluminium liner frame with rubber buffers and secured by the central domed bolt. The liner remains supple and complete, with no missing parts. The webbing chinstrap is an original khaki example, with sprung steel clips and light wear. Attached around the rim is a period scrim net, hand-tied for field camouflage — these were commonly used from 1942 onwards to reduce glare and facilitate the addition of foliage or local material for concealment.
Markings:
Shell rim stamped: J.S.S. I (Joseph Sankey & Sons, MkII)
Date of manufacture: 6 / 1941
Liner size: 56 (stamped inside oilcloth band)
*Condition*
Good, complete condition with visible wear but no structural damage. Approximately 85% of the original paint remains, with scattered surface rubbing and minor corrosion. Liner is clean and intact; chinstrap solid and functional. The scrim net is aged but mostly intact with a hole to the centre, showing authentic field use.
A textbook example of a British infantry MkII helmet from the middle years of the war — desirable for both collectors and re-enactors.
JAQBE_2566140525
