MkII HSAT British Para Helmet

[Enfield1940]

Hi,

I’ve just acquired this incomplete MkII HSAT and I am currently mulling over how far to restore it. I wonder if anyone could help with the following questions:

- Unlike a 1955 dated example in my collection, there are no visible date / maker marks stamped on the shell. (Assuming they’re not concealed by rust) Does that mean it *could* be of wartime manufacture?

- Does anyone have any thoughts on what the markings stamped on the liner ring mean?

- Likewise, the painted markings on the front?

- What was the correct paint colour / texture of a WWII manufactured MkII HSAT? (I believe the colour became more green postwar)

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Tim efg]

I also have a HSRAC helmet dated 1944

[Le Prof]

Hi @Enfield1940

The red square on the helmet is proabaly the Drop Zone /Tactical Recognition Flash (DZ/TRF) for 1st Batallion Parachute Regiment (1 Para).

Below looks like AT/(?), which could be Anti Tank platoon.

The buckles are sometimes dated.

Best Regards,

Adrian

 

 

[Enigma]

IIRC only 1942 para shells were dated. Later in the war no dates or brands. They resumed dating on the shell in the 1950's.

I am convinced your steel shell is WW2.

Never seen pics of those markings in the ring, interesting.

 

I wouldn't overpaint or strip the steel shell. Who knows what it turns out to be.

Keep in mind WW2 parahelmets were used long after the war.

[Enfield1940]

Thanks everyone. Interesting to give it a bit of history.

Unfortunately it has a significant amount of rust - especially to the interior. I’m currently thinking I may put some Oxalic acid in the interior and see to what extent it removes the rust but not the surviving paint. If it works well, I may dip the whole thing.

[Enigma]

You could also try a brass brush to remove the rust on the inside. 

The remaining rust also gives it patina and age to it.

Edited July 1, 2023 by Enigma