Original British – Canadian WWII MKII Paratrooper Helmet with Net and Scrim Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice refurbished example of the WWII MkII Paratrooper helmet, as used by British and Canadian forces. It features original paint on the shell, an original WWII issue helmet net, and most of the internal parts are original. The leather liner however was replaced, and glued to the original foam, which is now somewhat deteriorated. The chin strap appears to be original and shows signs of use.

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.

The chinstrap and leather cup are present and in great condition. The helmet retains about 99% of its outside paint. The net is also in very good condition. The liner comes complete with all padding and suspension strap, though the leather portion has been replaced. The liner is stamped C.C.L. / 7 ¼ / 1955. CCL is for Christy & Co Ltd in London. Christy & Co Ltd has been manufacturing fine hats in England since 1773 through eight generations of the Christy family and across nine reigns of British royals starting with King George III. Christys is the only company in the world still making high quality top hats and bowlers in the traditional way, using hatting skills established over 200 years ago and keeping a valuable British industry very much alive.

The black foam is more typical of British manufactured helmets. 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 often see them listed for over $2000.

This helmet is in very nice condition, and would make an excellent addition to any collection.