Original Rare Czech WWII Named Vz32 / M32 "Egg-Shell" Steel Helmet Converted for Luftschutz Use with Unit Marking - Dated 1936
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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, we have only had a few examples previously.
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 blue paint and a decal on the outside. The left side of the helmet has a very interesting marking looking to be a combined JR in a stenciled circle with a red flame over the letters. We could not identify this unit, making for a good research project. The inside still features the original olive paint and the original liner, but the chinstrap is entirely gone. However we can still make out a faint maker’s cartouche reading SCHOLTZ / 1935 / MATEJOVCE, which denotes manufacture by C.A. Scholtz in Matejovce, which is today located in Slovakia. The other markings include -37 / -M, and the rear brim of the helmet is inscribed with the name Schmidt Ph..
All five flaps of the liner are still present, showing only light wear and staining, and all still have their original padding intact, along with the lacing that keeps the pouches on the back closed. The leather top tie for the liner pads is gone.
Most Vz32 helmets were refurbished post war, making this a rare find. The exterior shell retains about 85% of the Luftschutz blue gray paint, with scuffs, scratches, and chips. The decal is retained at almost 75%, with some heavy scuffs in the center. The painted insignia to the side is in great shape. Really a very nice example of a rare helmet, ready to display!
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