An original 1938 dated British Army MKII Steel Helmet with its original paint finish. This pattern of helmet came into use with the British Army in the late 1930s and was the standard issue steel helmet by the outbreak of war, although the earlier MK1* helmets were also still being issued at this stage. This example is clearly dated 1938 to the underside of the helmet rim making it a very early MKII and ideal for a British Expeditionary Force collector or similar. This example has had black paint applied later in its life lost likely when it was issued to the home front. The helmet comes complete with an original chin strap which is in used condition with some of the springs no longer working as they should. The chin strap has come apart and could do with someone stitching it back together. This is evident in pictures. It is, however, almost certainly the original strap to the helmet as all the parts are matching and correct for the year and don't look to have been changed which makes this a very original helmet. All in all a very nice early war British Helmet which is unmolested and very original. Ideal for any early war collector!