Leningrad Type CH-38 Body Armour

[Destroyah]

I recently purchased this body armor which according to a site, "ostfront" is a Leningrad pattern WW2 assault body armor. Allegedly this item came out of a small museum outside of Petersburg after the fall of communism. They sold the body armor to raise funds for the rest of the museum; it was purchased for $10 USD.

Can anyone comment on this armor; are there fakes out there; any history?

[António Fragoeiro]

Hi, i cannot comment on the originality of your example.
But i always wondered what was the protection these offered.
Cheers
Nuno

[Adrian Stevenson]

Original. I have two complete sets of these.

Search the forum for more info.

Cheers, Ade.

[Gunny Hartmann]

It looks the same as this one!....RUSSIAN BODY ARMOUR M-38 "LENINGRAD" 1944, FILMHAUER

[Adrian Stevenson]

https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/equip...dy-armour-706/

[Destroyah]

It is much lighter than the German armor and it is articulated in the chest;other than protection from shrapnel or a bayonet thrust,I would guess that the main purpose was psychological.The guy who designed it, probably never had to wear it.
Regards,
Dave

[Adrian Stevenson]

My original Soviet body armour, SN38 and SN42.

Cheers, Ade.

[Destroyah]

Are they common? Do you think I should try to restore this set or leave it as is ?
Regards,
Dave

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Dave, not common by any means. I would cetainly strip off that horrid white paint and leave it at that.

Cheers, Ade.

[harryamb2]

ade,could the white paint be winter camo.?