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 Ordnungspolizei (Order Police), and was outfit like their early war "combat" style helmets. The original Czech army Brown/Green factory applied paint, was left along on the interior, but the exterior was overpainted with a pre-war Apfel-grün (apple green) finish, and had the "double decals" used by the German police force applied. Czech reissued German helmets are very rare, and usually we see them outfitted for Luftschutz air raid protection use. This is the first time that we have had one outfitted for use with the German field police.

The apple green paint is still well retained on the exterior, probably at about 75%, with areas on the top worn away, revealing the original Czech finish still present underneath. We do not see any major damage such as dents, cracks, or holes. The decals are both still present, but definitely show wear and age related degradation. These usually had clear lacquer applied over them, which over time yellows, checks, and sometimes cracks, which has happened to both. The police eagle is still definitely a police eagle, but it has a lovely pattern of checking and crazing overall, with some areas having flaked away. The NSDAP party shield is in similar condition, though much more of it has flaked away. Both have a lovely age toned look.

The shell has faint ink-stamped markings on the inside of the shell: Sch-M, which denotes manufacture by C.A. Scholtz in Matejovce, which is today located in Slovakia. Above that is the insignia of a Lion, which is the acceptance stamp of the Czech Army. The two digit number to the right is the date of issue, in this case 1938. All pads still have the original horsehair stuffing, however we cannot see any markings on the back due to wear. the original chinstrap is the correct type, and in very good condition. The leather all shows staining and wear, but no tearing or other major damage. Most Vz32 helmets were refurbished post war, making this a rare find.

Overall, a very nice condition specimen of a very rare WWII German Military Issued Helmet!

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. 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.