Helmet I.D.

[vette59]

I saw this helmet in a local antique shop recently. I don't collect helmets and I really don't know much about them. I was wondering if the helmet is U.S. or British? Also, what might be the significance of the number "23" painted on the front? The dealer wanted $100 for it, which seemed on the high end to me.

 

Any information would be appreciated. 

 

[atb]

It is a British Mk. II helmet.

[Nooby416]

It's Canadian, the rivets on the interior of a British shell are dome shaped whereas they are cylinders on Canadian helmets.

[vette59]

Thanks for the replies. Any idea about the number "23" on the front? Maybe civil defense or fire service?