British Helmet M1V

Good day forum. I recently rescued this helmet from a novelty shop in the Drakensberg Mountains, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The helmet was in the process of becoming a hanging light chandelier. Nice idea yes, but sadly not at the expense of a piece of military history. Anyway, accustomed to the more familiar brodie pattern feel and style helmets, I was most interested in determining what the rescued item was. From asking around (google) I have now learnt that the helmet is of British origin, possibly being a Mk IV. Sadly, there is n o inner which could be key in discovering the true period identity but hopefully the few pics I have added will assist the experts in confirming the helmet and period. I am working through the inner grime and at this point, no identifying stamps are visible unfortunately. Thanks and appreciated.

 

This is a Mk III Turtle Helmet when you ask me.
Introduced mid 1944.

 

Good day Bedee. Appreciated. Thank you for your in-put. Regards.

 

Helmet, Steel, Mk.III. Had a fixed liner the same as the Mk.II. A good find. They were designed early in the war - based on evidence from the 1WW and interwar. The idea was to give better protection from shell fragments at shallower angles than the Mk.II - especially to the back of the neck and temple. Reputedly not introduced in N.Africa or Italy as it was thought the profile could be mistaken for Italian. First issued for D Day then available in NW Europe as an equal issue for the ore familiar Mk.II.
In 1945 the Mk.IV replaced it in production. This had a 'lift the dot' removable liner and the strap fittings were riveted nearer the brim. Both types were interchangeable issue post war and into the late 1980s. I have one taken by a Cadet from a 'grab yourself a helmet' pile on an Army exercise c.1985. I have seen them as Gulf War trophies too.

 

That's awesome....thank you. I must confess that when I saw it for the first time I did think that it was an Italian helmet.....but clearly not !!! Appreciate the informed insight.