Original WWII British MKII Paratrooper Helmet by Gimson & Slater in size 6 1/2 - dated 1943
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is is a great example of the WWII MkII Paratrooper helmet, as used by British forces. Unlike many we have seen, this does not show any sign of having the rigging refurbished post war. It has very good original brown textured paint on the shell and inside as well, which unfortunately makes reading or even finding the shell maker stamps impossible.
The leather liner is in good shape, and is marked G & S over size 6 1/2, which is surrounded by 19 43, indicating 1943 manufacture by Gimson & Slater of Nottingham, England. This is a known wartime maker, and helmets fitted with these liners are typically dark brown in color, with textured paint.
It still has intact original foam rubber coated padding, which has gotten somewhat stiff due to age, and is cracking on the bottom, so some of the interior felt pad can be seen. The original leather paratrooper chin strap is complete, and still functional, though it does show wear and use.
This helmet is in very nice condition, and would make an excellent addition to any collection. Chances like this do not come about very often at all!
The MK III began to replace the MK II helmet in February of 1944. The MKII was not widely issued until September 1944, although some were used by the 6th Airborne Division during the Normandy Invasion in June, 1944. The MkII helmet saw widespread use when the Division fought at Arnhem during Operation Market Garden and was also issued to the Polish Parachute Brigade.
Warman's World War II Collectibles price guide values fully original examples of this type of helmet as high as $1,700, but you will many times see them listed for over $2000.
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