Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is something that is rarely seen! This is a very rare Pre-WWII Czechoslovakian Vz32 Steel helmet, sometimes known as the M32, M34, Vz32/34, and other designations. After the Munich Agreement, Czechoslovakia was virtually handed over to Germany, and occupied. Their helmets and technology were then put in the service of NSDAP Germany, including many of their helmets. This particular Vz32 helmet was pressed into service with the German Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB) (National Air Raid Protection League).
Unlike other examples of Czech Helmets pressed into service with the Germans, it was not painted the standard blue color of Luftschutz helmets. This particular example was left in its original Czech army Brown/Green factory applied paint, and simply had the large Luftschutz decal applied to the front. These Czech reissued Luftschutz Helmets are very rare as it is, and this is only the second example we have had that is like this!
The Vz32 was the last of many Czech helmet designs, and were issued in the 1930's and saw service right through to the German Invasion. These helmets would be continued to be worn well after with the German Luftschutz and the German Allied Slovak Army on the Eastern Front. After the war these helmets would be adopted by the Civil Defense and Fire Brigade units.
The Vz32 shell is "egg-shell" shaped, unlike many helmets of the day, which had pronounced contouring, front brims, etc. It has a unique 5 pad liner system, which utilizes 5 discrete pads that are riveted to the shell, along with a standard heavy leather split chinstrap attached on bales that are riveted directly to the shell. The lining pads are in very good condition, still in their original fawn white leather but showing staining from use. All the pad stuffing is intact as well, though the original drawstring is missing.
The shell has faint ink-stamped markings on the inside of the shell: Sch-M, which denotes manufacture by C.A. Scholtz in Matejovce, which is today located in Slovakia. Below that is the insignia of a Lion, which is the acceptance stamp of the Czech Army. The two digit number to the right is the date of issue, in this case 1938. All pads still have the original horsehair stuffing, and each is also stamped Sch-M (LION) 38 on the underside (One possibly is stamped with a 39).
Most Vz32 helmets were refurbished post war, making this a rare find. The exterior shell retains almost all of the original paint, with some small scuffs and chips. The decal is retained at about 60, showing overall wear from use in service. The chin strap and liner are also in very good condition, with staining from use and age on both. The leather is still nice and supple, without any major cracks.
Overall, a very nice condition specimen of a very rare WWII German Military Issued Helmet!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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