Original Czechoslovakian WWII Vz32 / M32 “Egg-Shell” Helmet Reissued for German Luftschutz Original Items

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). 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 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 set up in Luftschutz configuration, with worn blue paint and a decal on the front of the helmet. It has seem quite a bit of use since it was repainted, so now a lot of the Luftschutz paint is worn away, and the original olive paint can be seen. The inside was never repainted, and still features the original olive paint and the original liner, with the padding still in place. The chin strap is still attached, though the stud on the buckle side keeps pulling through the slot. There are no size or date marking on the shell or on the back of the liner pads, however there is the name Peter. painted at the front of the helmet.

Most Vz32 helmets were refurbished post WWII, making this a rare find. It has a lovely “service worn” look that is impossible to duplicate from long use in the field. The liner is in very good condition, still supple, with some staining from use.

A very nice example with great display potential!