Rawlings-Type WW2 Tanker Helmet Allegedly Boyt-Made, Used by the Israel Defense Forces

[Guy56]

This Rawlings-type WW2 tanker helmet (AKA M1938-pattern tanker helmet) is an enigma. First, it was allegedly made by Boyt, a company known for producing web gear, but not one of the standard Rawlings-type WW2 tanker helmet makers (Rawlings, Sear Saddlery, Spalding, and Wilson). Secondly, it appears that the helmet somehow made it to Israel, was crudely sprayed with tan paint, stamped with IDF markings, and issued to a soldier. The penned word is Barak (means lightning), likely a soldier’s name, and interestingly includes dialectic markings that are normally not written by hand. I know of no other Boyt-made tanker helmets existing.
 

One collector postulated that it was an Italy-made clone of Rawlings-type WW2 tanker helmet stamped with Boyt and the U.S. size marking. This may be the case, but I’m not totally sold on this theory. 

[doyler]

Recall Israel made thier own version of the M38 post WW2. 

 

BOYT never had a contract for these in WW@ that Im aware of and have visited the current factory and the company historian doesn't mention helmet production

[Guy56]

Correct, the Israeli firm Ritukh (ריתוך) made their own version of the helmet. If you are still in contact with the Boyt historian, please feel free to forward the images. Like you, I’m unaware of any contracts regarding this, but 1944 was a dynamic year regarding tanker helmet contracts. I attached a photo of a Ritukh-made helmet for comparison.