United Kingdom. A Mk III Combat Helmet to the Royal Artillery by Fisher & Ludlow Ltd c.1943

An early helmet make of pressed steel construction with a rough textured olive drab finish, the shallow turtle-form dome fitted with a central top bolt securing the liner assembly, the exterior displaying a divisional marking in the form of a red over black diamond applied to the side, indicative of Royal Artillery usage, the interior retaining its original oilcloth and rubberized liner system with cruciform support and webbing chin strap, the shell rim showing a visible split at the front with associated separation of the metal and surrounding paint loss, the exterior finish exhibiting scattered scuffing, abrasions, and areas of wear consistent with service use, the interior showing age-related wear with dryness and minor deterioration to the liner pads but remaining largely intact, the inner shell stamped “FFL I 1943” denoting manufacture by Fisher & Ludlow Ltd, pattern mark, and year of production, in worn but complete condition.

Footnote: The British Mk III helmet, introduced in 1941, was designed to offer improved protection against shell fragments and overhead blast compared to the earlier Mk II, and was widely issued to British and Commonwealth forces during the Second World War, with manufacturers such as Fisher & Ludlow Ltd producing large quantities, while formation signs such as the red and black diamond were commonly used by Royal Artillery units to denote branch identification in the field.