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ORIGINAL SOVIET STAR ON THE FRONT OF THE HELMET
Original Soviet WWII SSh-40 steel combat helmet, believed to date from 1941 and manufactured for the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army (RKKA).
A standout feature of this helmet is the ORIGINAL SOVIET STAR DISPLAYED ON THE FRONT OF THE HELMET. The star is clearly visible in the photographs and adds significant historical and collector interest to this original Soviet military helmet.
The helmet also features six exterior liner rivets, its period interior liner and chinstrap assembly. The interior is marked with factory number 2-4172 and is identified as Size 2.
A Cyrillic letter “Р” appears near the factory marking. According to the available information, this indicates that the helmet was returned to the factory and repaired in 1948 by the Lysvensky Metallurgical Plant (LMZ), following the end of World War II.
After its factory repair, the helmet was reportedly kept boxed and stored rather than reissued for continued military service. As a result, it remains in remarkably well-preserved condition for an approximately 85-year-old historical military artifact.
Item Details
- Model: Soviet SSh-40 steel helmet
- Country of origin: USSR / Soviet Union
- Military branch: Red Army / RKKA
- Estimated production year: 1941
- Factory repair date: 1948
- Manufacturer/repair facility: Lysvensky Metallurgical Plant (LMZ)
- Factory or batch marking: 2-4172
- Shell size: Size 2
- Front marking: Stamped Soviet star
- Construction: Steel shell
- Interior: Period leatherette/dermatin liner
- Chinstrap: Period cloth strap with riveted attachments
Measurements
- Approximate head circumference: 560–590 mm
- Approximate head circumference in inches: 22–23.2 inches
- Exterior dimensions: 285 × 250 × 165 mm
- Exterior dimensions in inches: 11.2 × 9.8 × 6.5 inches
- Weight: Approximately 1.25 kg / 2.8 lb
Condition
Very good vintage condition considering its age.
The helmet displays expected signs of age, storage and historical manufacture, but it has been exceptionally well preserved. The steel shell, star, rivets, markings, liner and strap are clearly visible. Please carefully review all photographs, as they form an important part of the description and show the exact item that will be received.
No attempt has been made to clean, repaint or modernize the helmet. Its existing finish, markings and age-related characteristics have been retained for collectors.
Historical Background
The SSh-40 was introduced during World War II and became the most widely used Soviet steel combat helmet of the period. It can generally be distinguished from the earlier SSh-39 by its six lower-mounted liner rivets. Its improved suspension used separate cloth or oilcloth liner pads connected by an adjustable drawstring.
SSh-40 helmets were manufactured in three shell sizes and remained in Soviet military service for many years after WWII. They were later supplemented by the SSh-60 and eventually replaced by the SSh-68.
An excellent display piece for a collection of Soviet, Russian, RKKA, Eastern Front or World War II militaria.
Important Notice
This item is being sold solely as a historical military collectible. It has not been tested and must not be worn or relied upon as protective or safety equipment.
The helmet has not been independently authenticated or professionally appraised. Its date, markings, factory history and originality are described according to the visible features and information available. Buyers should examine the photographs and make their own assessment before purchasing.
