*Irish Forces Issue, Inter-War & WW2, Vickers (German Pattern) M27 Steel Helmet, Original 1927 Dated Liner and Chinstrap*
Original Irish Free State / Irish Army Vickers Model 1927 steel helmet, instantly recognisable by the front twin lugs for the Irish crest and the German-inspired side lugs. Complete with its three-pad liner (pads stuffed with cloth bags tied with string, an Irish variation) and original leather chinstrap. The leather headband is crisply stamped “T. SMITH & SON, DUBLIN, 1927, L.” Shell interior shows Vickers lot markings (incl. “H 193 / 1927”).
The helmet wears a period all-over white service repaint, almost certainly for Irish Civil Defence / training during WW2 or early post-war years: the white is brush-applied over the screws, washers and inner skirt, with age-consistent patina and chipping that exposes the earlier factory green.
Historical Note
Following independence, the Irish Free State Army sought to modernise its equipment. In 1927, the government contracted Vickers Ltd. to produce approximately 5,000 helmets based on the proven German Stahlhelm profile, but with distinctive Irish features: the cruciform badge lugs to the front, British-made liners and chinstraps, and local Dublin suppliers for leatherwork. Many were in use during the WW2 and were later repurposed, with institutional repaints (including white for wardens/training) typical of subsequent Civil Defence use. Surviving examples complete and dated—especially with Dublin-made fittings—are scarce.
*Condition*
Structurally sound shell with honest service wear. Period white overpaint shows scuffs, small chips and edge rubbing; earlier dark green visible in places. Hardware and inner skirt also white from the same period repaint. Liner complete: pads intact (cloth-bag stuffed), sweat staining and small initials/inked marks from service use. Leather headband sound with clear maker/date. Original chinstrap present with square steel buckle; leather dry with age-related cracking—handle carefully. No repairs observed. Overall, a well-preserved and highly desirable example of this rare helmet type. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
