According to Andrew Ainsworth, this is one of around five prototype helmets that were made when Shepperton Design Studios were experimenting with white vacuform plastic to make the first Stormtrooper helmets in 1976. They initially made six helmets out of khaki-coloured plastic [see previous lot] and when they realised that design was not entirely satisfactory, they then made these prototypes to experiment with the different material. The serated edge at the back of this helmet was abandoned for the following batch of helmets as it was too difficult to mould.

The helmet in this lot is identical to that sold through these rooms as part of the Collection Of Andrew Ainsworth in 2002. This helmet was given by Ainsworth to a friend around the time of the release of the film.