Soviet Russian Ssh40 Steel Helmet

[Brian R]

Years ago I picked up this helmet described as a Russian Ssh40 Steel Helmet from World War II. It is in excellent condition, complete with liner and chin strap. I know its tough to be certain but can anyone give an opinion as to whether it is from the Second World War or from sometime during the Cold War? I have included 4 images below. The last one shows two markings, a stamped 2 on the inside of the shell and another stamp on the underside of the chin strap. Also, you can see that the padding is cloth with grass or straw packed in. It doesn't have the usual black leather pads.

I actually posted this question on another forum a long time ago. I'm considering selling it but wanted to get some more opinions before potentially parting with it. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Edited August 19, 2008 by Brian R

[Brian R]

2

[Brian R]

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[Brian R]

4

[Paul R]

4

Hi Brian!!

That is one beautiful helmet! I have been looking for one for my uniform for a while. Are these really expensive?

Paul

[kimj]

This is a Hungarian Model 50. Look here for more info:

http://www.cascoscoleccion.com/hungria/hung50.htm

A bit expensive dealer site with some real ones:

http://www.aboutww2militaria.com/index.htm...eel_helmets.htm

/Kim

[Paul R]

Thanks Kim. How much more would I expect to pay for a wartime dated piece. The helmet on the site above was made in 48 and the price was 115 Euros.

Regards

Paul

[kimj]

Paul. Like most other Russian/Soviet militaria prices helmet prices are on the rise. What the current price for a good war time helmet is.... Well, those unsold are too expensive. Also for some reason it's easier to find the model before M40, with a sack-like liner, than the three pad variation. I still haven't found a good one for my own collection. Good luck finding one. Soviet helmets are much more rare than German.

Many 1948 dated helmets have magically turned into 1943 dated helmets. So there are fakes in this field too...

/Kim

[Brian R]

Kim - Thanks so much for the info. Any idea as to what this helmet (Hungarian Model 50) is worth?

Edited August 20, 2008 by Brian R

[Belaruski]

GENUINELY dated wartime helmets are exceptionally scarce. i think the rule with these is to think 'how much would I pay for one that may be war time?'

If in doubt buy a Ssch 36, a beautiful helmet and guaranteed wartime regardless of ink stamps!

[Lapa]

GENUINELY dated wartime helmets are exceptionally scarce. i think the rule with these is to think 'how much would I pay for one that may be war time?'

If in doubt buy a Ssch 36, a beautiful helmet and guaranteed wartime regardless of ink stamps!

Belaruski,

No so guaranteed anymore, since these are now faked very convincingly.

Marc

[Belaruski]

Ssch36 helmets are faked??? Do you mean the whole thing or just the liners?

[Lapa]

Ssch36 helmets are faked??? Do you mean the whole thing or just the liners?

Belaruski,

I mean the whole thing; and they have been faked for the best part of the past 2~3+ years, if not longer

Marc

[Bryan]

Kim - Thanks so much for the info. Any idea as to what this helmet (Hungarian Model 50) is worth?

Hungarian helmets like yours sell for less than $50 US on eBay.

[Sergey]

Belaruski,

No so guaranteed anymore, since these are now faked very convincingly.

Marc

+ 1

[Belaruski]

Can you buy these honestly, at repro prices, or do they only come out as fakes?

[Lapa]

Can you buy these honestly, at repro prices, or do they only come out as fakes?

Belaruski,

Let me put it this way: everything offered is ALWAYS genuine... Now, it is up to you to determine the "level of genuineness"

Marc

[bolo]

the Hungarian M50 helmet is the first post WWII helmet manufactured by the Hungarians, these are not that easy to find, seems like you see the Polish WZ50 much more than the Hungarian M50 helmets on ebay

lots of these were also exported to the middle east and used in the Arab / Israeli wars