WW2 Irish Army Western Command Mk2 Painted Helmet

The WW2 Irish Army Western Command Mk2 Painted Helmet is a steel combat helmet used by Irish military forces during the Second World War. Based on the British MkII design, this helmet features a rounded steel shell and a simple but robust liner system made of leather and webbing, designed to provide essential protection for soldiers in the field. The exterior displays the distinctive paint scheme attributed to units under the Western Command, an administrative division of the Irish Army during the period. The helmet retains its original painted finish and includes the period-correct chinstrap attachment. While Ireland maintained a position of neutrality during the conflict, the army equipped its personnel with standard protective gear, including the Mk2 helmet. This example reflects the practical manufacturing approach adopted by Ireland, drawing on British military equipment patterns. The helmet serves as a representative artifact of mid-20th-century Irish military history and organization.