WWII US Navy MK-2 “Talker” Helmet- The US Navy Mk II talker helmet was a combat helmet used by the US Navy from the Second World War and into the 1980s. In 1942, the US Navy decided to commission a special helmet for sailors posted on decks and tasked with transmitting orders by sound-powered telephone. The new helmet was to protect "exposed deck personnel" and accommodate a telephone headset; furthermore, it had to be usable while wearing a gas mask and binoculars. The helmet was made of non-magnetic Hadefield manganese steel. Designated "USN MK-2", was at the time the largest helmet ever used in US service. This example retains 70% of its original blue grey finish with the rough texture remaining mostly intact. Inside is a blue grey cloth covered molded foam. There is minor wear and discoloration only. The chinstrap is missing. The rear skirt is stamped “U.S.N.” while the front seam is stamped with the maker (McCord) stamp followed by “MK2” and “N.R.”. Sound condition!