Steel helmet SH-39, transitional type

An original and quite rare helmet in almost complete condition lately. The original apple paint has been preserved by 95%, the number stamp is perfectly readable, but the ink stamp is completely lost. The dermatin balaclava of the early type, original, is also installed in an original way, while the dome of the helmet does not contain traces of the star applied there earlier, which indicates the transitional nature of the product from the dermatin petal balaclava to the fabric one. Half of the chin strap is lost. Growth 2. Guarantee of authenticity.

The disadvantages of the SH-36 were too obvious and additional research was needed to create a better helmet. Many helmets created in Western countries were tested again. In 1937-38, several experimental models were created and tested at the Rzhev test site. In 1938, the final choice was made. The characteristic crest was removed from the helmet and the contour of the helmet acquired new outlines. This helmet is known as the SH-39. The silhouette of a Russian soldier in it became the image of a victorious warrior for many years. The shape of the new Soviet helmet resembled the Italian steel helmet M 33. Most likely, this model was taken as the basis for the creation of the helmet. The helmet was made of steel of much better quality than the one from which the SH-36 was made, its weight was 1250 grams, the wall thickness was 1.9 mm.

The balaclava had a dome shape, was made, as a rule, of fabric (the balaclava could also be made of leather, imitation leather or waxed fabric), framed in the lower part with a strip of leather or imitation leather and had a dome shape. A cloth or felt lining was installed under the fabric. The size of the balaclava was adjusted using a cord located in the upper part of the dome. The fastening of the fabric base was carried out to a steel hoop, which in turn, with the help of holders, was attached to the surface of the helmet with three rivets, thus preventing contact of the balaclava with the walls of the helmet, thereby providing ventilation and performing shock-absorbing functions. The helmet was painted olive green or khaki, sometimes the outline of a five-pointed star was depicted on the front of the helmet. On the inside of the helmet, in the occipital part near the lower edge on Soviet helmets, a manufacturer's stamp was affixed, as well as a stamp indicating the size of the helmet.

In the post-war period, the remaining SSH39 underwent factory repairs at the LMZ plant (Lysva), the spheres were repainted anew and a helmet with SSH40 (three pillows) was placed on them, as a rule, the stamp is 1950. Such helmets were transferred to educational institutions, the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense units