Czech Vz-53

[gaz232sqn]

This is a czech VZ-53 dated around 1983, totally unissued.

[Voroshilov]

I have exactly the same helmet.What number do you have stumped on yours?

[battle gear]

do the Czechs still use this helmet? or has it been replaced with a more modern design?

[Voroshilov]

do the Czechs still use this helmet? or has it been replaced with a more modern design?

Not sure about the czech army, but i know that Slovak army used these helmets as recently as 2004, not sure about today, but i assume they still use vz 53. couldnt find anything about czech army

[James C]

is this the helmet type copied from the russian ssch 39 shell ?

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi James, yes it is.

Cheers, Ade.

[James C]

hi adrian heres a pic of my ssch39 its in relic condition with no liner and a fair size hole in the center top also my czech m53 that i have weathered to give a more authentic look

[Adrian Stevenson]

I like the Ssh39 design. As you have the two side by side you will see very subtle differences in the shape of the lip of the Czech version.

Cheers, Ade.

[James C]

hi adrian yep your right the lip profile is different between the two i am still fairly new to collecting helmets and not heard the m 53 called the vz 53 before i take it its the exact same helmet

[Adrian Stevenson]

Yes, same helmet. "VZ" is the correct Czech designation. Western collectors has a horrible tendency to Americanise everything by calling it "M" something or other. This is really lazy bad practise and calling items by the correct native terminology is something we should all strive for.

Cheers, Ade.