Vintage WWII British Mk III "Turtle" Steel Helmet – Post-War Police / Civil Defence Reissue

An authentic British Mk III "Turtle" steel helmet, originally manufactured during World War II and later repurposed, repainted, and reissued for Post-War Police / Civil Defence duties (c. 1945–1960s).

Introduced in 1943 to provide superior side-impact protection over the classic Brodie pattern, this Mk III shell features the distinct brazed top fixing nut inside the crown rather than the external top rivet seen on later Mk IV models. 

Following the war, many of these durable shells were finished in a deep blue overpaint and outfitted with a "POLICE" decal to equip domestic protective services and specialist constabulary units during the early Cold War era.

This piece displays excellent character, revealing layers of its operational history where the blue paint has worn away along the rim to expose the original wartime olive drab factory finish underneath.

This item is in honest, weathered vintage condition, showing genuine wear consistent with its age and field deployment.

The Shell is structurally sound with no major dents.

The exterior paint shows light scratching, scuffing, and minor superficial pitting.

The "POLICE" stencil/decal on the front remains highly legible with attractive, authentic crazing.

The interior of the shell is a weathered mix of WWII construction and post-war modifications. 

It features a deep blue police paint overspray around the rim that transitions into the original wartime olive drab finish deeper inside the crown.

Surface rust, aging, and light pitting are visible throughout the bare metal areas.

It retains a genuine WWII-era Mk II oilskin liner with its distinct cross-shaped black rubber crown bumper. The oilskin material is stiff, and  cracked from aging.

The original elasticated web chinstrap is present and attached via high-mounted internal lugs.

The photographs are of the actual item and form part of the description. 

 Please examine the photographs carefully and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.