Russian 1940 Helmet?

[MikeS0000]

Hello Folks -

Not very knowledgeable in this venue. But I've always wanted a Russian WW2 helmet and I found this one for $40 at a local shop. I blacklighted the paint and there is no glow. But I think the liner is later. Chinstrap has been repaired twice.

Any help on what it is appreciated!

- Mike

[Greg Pickersgill]

I believe that what you have is a Czech vz.53. It is in the same family as the Russian WW2 helmets, the ssh39 and ssh40, but is not the same thing. It resembles the 39 model in some ways, particularly in having three high-set liner rivets, but the 39 is actually quite uncommon now. The vz-53, as its designation suggests, is a a product of the early 1950s, and continued to be made for quite a while, exported widely by the Czechs.

Some things to look for in a genuine ssh40 - three liner pads (not a leather liner), a fabric chinstrap (not leather), six liner rivets, set lower than halfway down the shell. Please note these are only immediate spotting tips, there is more to it than that. Also note that the ssh 40, which was by far the most common WW2 helmet, continued in use and manufacture for a good twenty years. If you specifically want a WW2-vintage one you wil have to be careful and look for genuine datestamps within. But wartime and postwar helmets are identical, really, except for the datestamps.

[MikeS0000]

Thanks Greg. This is really the specialists area.

Any chance this went to Vietnam? That was actually what the tag said it was. Course no way to verify or not. Perhaps what looks like field repairs to the liner and chinstrap.

Best!
- Mike

[Greg Pickersgill]

OK, first off I will say I know only the broad outline about helmets used in the Vietman War. A LOT of Russian and Eastern Bloc helmets went to Vietnam so its entirely possible that Czech vz.53 helmets did. Of course whether this particular one did is another thing altogether. I don't know whether there is any way of proving it. Even if you had a users name written inside in Vietnamese you would have to beware of fakery. It is a problem.

[MikeS0000]

OK, first off I will say I know only the broad outline about helmets used in the Vietman War. A LOT of Russian and Eastern Bloc helmets went to Vietnam so its entirely possible that Czech vz.53 helmets did. Of course whether this particular one did is another thing altogether. I don't know whether there is any way of proving it. Even if you had a users name written inside in Vietnamese you would have to beware of fakery. It is a problem.

Maybe I'll stick to my WW1 head protectors.. Those I know pretty well....