Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is something that is rarely seen! This is a Soviet Russian WWII SSh-39 Steel Helmet, sometimes known as the M39, but properly termed the Stal'noy Shlem (Steel Helmet) Model 39. This helmet model superseded the previous SSh-36, which was an antiquated design by WWII Standards, and was produced from 1939 until 1942, when it was replaced by the SSh-40.
This helmet in particular has a VERY interesting history, and was captured by German forces, and pressed into service with the German Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB) (National Air Raid Protection League). It was painted the standard blue color of Luftschutz helmets, and had the large Luftschutz decal applied to the front. These are very rare, and this is the first example we have had.
The start of Germany's Operation Barbarossa was a great success for the Axis powers, and between June 1941 and the end of November, Germany advanced to within striking distance of Moscow. They had overrun Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Belorus, and Ukraine, which gave them plenty of chances to capture Russian soldiers, or at least acquire some of their helmets. They then would be pressed into service for civic uses or rear-echelon units.
We have no way of telling where this helmet was used with the Luftschutz, but thankfully the Russian ink stamps were left intact. The back of the helmet is ink stamped inside of a rectangle with:
РОСТ
ЛМЗ - 41г.
This indicates that it is a helmet in Size (РОСТ) 3, and that it the producer was LMZ (ЛМЗ), the Lysma Metallurgical Factory in the town of Lysma, about 100km from Perm in the western foothills of the Ural Mountains. "41r." is the standard Russian date format for 1941 (год is Russian for "year").
It was issued, and then captured. The exterior shell retains most of the Luftschutz paint, with some small scuffs and chips, as well as areas where the paint flaked off.. The decal is retained at about 90%, with just a few small scratches and overall wear. The chin strap and liner are also in very good condition, with just a bit of staining from age on both.
This is a fantastic opportunity to own a helmet that saw service on two different sides in WWII! Ready to display and research!
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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