WW1 Portuguese Model 1916 Helmet

A fine example of the rare Portuguese Model 1916 helmet & one that is instantly recognisable to WW1 collectors by its ribbed design.
The origins of these helmets have been widely discussed however it is known that they were available for private purchase by British officers in the early part of WW1. Made only of mild steel they were found not to be effective in the face of an even moderate velocity round as well as the ribbed surface tending to aid the projectile in penetration when hit .
Banned for sale in Great Britain around the 1916 period it is believed that they were issued to Portuguese troops as a temporary measure.
In a very typical British khaki paint colour of the period the helmet shell is of one piece construction with a ventilation hole in each side of the helmet . A thin strip of corrugated cork is fitted between the shell & leather liner with a woollen inner showing some minor rust bleeding in places. Brown leather chinstrap has some pencillled numbers written onto it & is still supple & undamaged.
An interesting helmet & very hard to find today .

Code: 11966