Hello all. First post here so …here goes.
Just recently started collecting helmets to go with the guns I have been repairing over the years. My question is on the British helmets.

How would (for example a Mk1) have looked on the very first day it was made. What I mean is it would have been painted before the liner was added right? So does that mean that on day one every new helmet had a copper coloured dot on the top from the liner rivet? Or would a chap have been sat at the end of the production line putting a dob of paint on the rivet? Otherwise a real one would have no paint on the rivet.

Also, would the shell have been painted before the chinstrap bails were riveted or after? If it was after then an original helmet should have no paint under the chinstrap bails and some overspray on the brass D rings….

A, trying to get an idea of how they looked new
B, possibly looking at another possible way for me to spot a fake

Anyway, thanks in advance for any input you can offer.

Kind regards
Poccur