Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very rare Pre-WWII Czechoslovakian Vz32 Steel helmet, sometimes known as the M32, M34, Vz32/34, and other designations. 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.
This helmet is still in the original Pre-War configuration, with olive paint and the original liner. All pads still have the original stuffing, which looks to be plant fiber or horsehair. The chin strap is unfortunately completely missing, and unlike most we see, there are no ink markings on the inside, either on the liner pads or on the shell itself. However it is definitely the correct color for a Pre WWII issue, and shows no signs of being refinished.
Most Vz32 helmets were refurbished post war, making this a rare find. The exterior shell retains almost all of the original paint, with a nice patina of age. The liner is also in very good condition, with just a bit of staining from age. Ready to display!