This particular helmet is known in collectors circles as the Persian/Iranian Model 62 they are one of the toughest helmets I have ever tried to research as there really is no definitive information as to there origins...
There has been speculation that they are a cut down version of the West German Model 56 ( '' Zweiteilige Stahlhelm '' ) when doing a side by side comparison with the Iranian model 62 and the West German model 56 ,West German 1A1 there are some noticeable differences in construction most notably the angle of the front brim which is much steeper on the Iranian model 62..
I have also heard many rumours over the years that possibly they could have been manufactured abroad by China, Germany and or possibly Israel and imported to Iran...
This brings us to a recent discussion that I had with Russ Ames from Middle East Military in regards to these helmets he states that his sources in the Middle East state that they were manufactured in Iran after the rein of the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi unfortunately this can not be confirmed with any documentation and or tangible production data so again ( pure speculation )...
The helmet body on this particular example likely likely dates from the time period of the Iran Iraq war 1980-1988 it is non magnetic in nature so likely it was manufactured from a ballistic grade steel such as Hadfield manganese or chrome molybdenum steel the rim is as well non magnetic and I am of the opinion that it is stainless steel...
There has been a well made moulded plastic insert bolted through the dome of the helmet body it's sole purpose is to act as a platform to attach a small black foam crash pad and four spring steel strips that attach to the liner band each with a rubber buffer attached to the sides of each strip these come in contact with the side of the helmet ..
The chinstrap style (with the chin cup) is a version that did not surface till post 1988, and as there is no period evidence in the form of images and or other examples that support this style of liner was used before 1988 the liner was likely refitted post war at the same time for continued military service..
Regards Mark
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