Original Soviet WWII M36 SSh-36 "Gladiator" Relic Helmet & Battle-Damaged SSh-40 Helmet Shell - Lot of Two

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely pair of two Soviet WWII combat helmets, an SSh-36 and SSh-40, both just the shells and in relic condition.

The SSh (Стальной шлем "stalnoy shlem", or steel helmet) 36 or the M (модель or model) 36 was designed by Aleksandr A. Shvartz, and began production in 1936. Its large front rim and wide flares over the ears provided good protection for the wearer. The German M35, introduced a year before the Russian M-36, served as a model for the development of the M-36. The M-36 was also fitted with a comb on top, which allowed for ventilation. There were also apocryphal claims that the comb was designed to deflect saber blows.

This SSh-36 is a relic example which was repainted in its original color. The liner and chinstrap are entirely absent, but the helmet is still a solid and good representative example.

The SSh (Russian: Стальной шлем - Stal'noy shlem or Steel Helmet) 40, also referred to as the M40 (Model 40), was the last and most commonly seen in-service helmet used by the Soviet Union during World War II. The only external difference between the SSh-39 and the SSh-40 were the six rivets near the bottom of the helmet, as opposed to the three near the top of the SSh-39 shell. Rivet placement of the SSh-40 was due to a newly introduced liner, simpler and more sturdy than the previous versions.

This SSh-40 has battle damage, with two shrapnel holes visible. Some of the original fittings are retained on the interior, but the liner and chinstrap are long gone.

A lovely pair of helmets, ready for further research and display.