Cold War Polish Wz.50 Combat Helmet

These helmets, based closely on the Soviet SSh-40 design of WW2, were manufactured 1950 – 1955, with a total production of just under 534,000 units.  This example retains 92-95% of the post-1960 dark green painted finish that has flaked along the brim and developed light surface rust where the underlying metal was exposed.  The stenciled Land Forces eagle is still intact on the front of the crown.  The size 59 leather suspension web lining is intact and in fine condition with what looks like a previous owner’s initials written on the inside with ballpoint pen.  The leather chinstraps are still present and in very good shape, but have been folded up under the lining to make display easier.  The helmet is also equipped with a green nylon camouflage net cover.  These helmets were used by many Warsaw Pact-affiliated countries, mainly in the Middle East, but this example remained in Polish service.