A genuine WW2 South African–produced steel helmet, Mk II pattern, retaining its early Mk I liner and finished in period camouflage. This is a great looking helmet, with plenty of character. The tones, and wear all point to honest service. Everything about this example quietly supports its South African identity, from the liner and fittings to the distinctive details of the shell.

Liner

Fitted with the correct South African Mk I liner, size 6¾, complete with the central felt pad and original eight-spacer system. The liner carries a very faint, but just about identifiable Jäger Rand maker mark — the primary wartime manufacturer of South African helmet liners.
The liner retains the correct South African assembly method, with the central fixing bolt positioned on the inside beneath the pad and the threaded washer to the exterior.

Chinstrap & Fittings

Retaining the correct South African-pattern Mk II chinstrap hooks of the standard square-edged (unchamfered) type. The chinstrap is secured with original split-rivet fixings, with the outer heads sitting flush to the shell — a small but important detail that matches documented South African wartime production and confirms this is not a later alteration.

Shell

A South African Mk II pattern shell finished in period camouflage, showing honest service wear throughout. The helmet retains the characteristic three holes to the rear brim, commonly associated with South African production and often linked to the attachment of a neck veil or sun curtain, though their exact purpose remains debated.
No maker’s stamp or date is visible on the shell, likely obscured by the wartime camouflage.

Also present on the crown is a scratched personalisation, clearly applied in period – the rusting beneath the marks confirms it was done during the helmet’s service life. The inscription appears to have been intended as either a name or unit marking, though, I can not confidently work out what it says.

Overall

A textbook South African camouflage WWII helmet that ticks every box — correct shell, with correct liner and fittings. An interesting piece that would look great on display.

Recommended Reference

For anyone who enjoys going a little deeper, this helmet is very well supported by the excellent reference book:

Daniele Piselli — MKII Helmets: Technical Notes and Military Uses

A superb guide with clear explanations, high-quality photographs, and detailed close-ups of original examples. Particularly useful for understanding South African production features, liner types, and chinstrap fittings, and the same reference used in researching this helmet.

All items are carefully packed for safe transit.