Helmet, universal, khaki, standard pattern, 1939

Cork covered in khaki cotton drill, with sealed pattern label, sealed 8 May 1939.

A 'sealed pattern' is a master pattern of any item that the British Army issued to soldiers. It provided clothing or equipment suppliers with an example to copy.

Originally approved for use for all ranks serving overseas in May 1904, the helmet, also known as the Wolseley, was used extensively during World War One (1914-1918).

This three-fold pugri on this example was simplified from more elaborate earlier types, which in many cases included regimental colours added to the folds.

The helmet was still in use on the outbreak of World War Two (1939-1945), but issue was ceased in 1943 and it was declared obsolete in 1947.