Posted 14 years ago
stepback_a…
(363 items)
This helmet was most likely used by an NVA anti aircraft gun crew member. Regular NVA troops used pith helmets instead of steel helmets. It is of Soviet origin, and is dated 1969. North Vietnam relied heavily on China and Eastern block countries for their equipment. This particular helmet was found in the Song Ve area. According to the vet Jim, for some reason it was left in a pile of equipment by the NVA after they buried their dead. The chinstrap is missing, and the leather liner is somewhat deteriorated.
That looks like a Czech Vz. 53 to me. A lot of those were used by the NVA. I'll link a Wikipedia page on the Vz. 53.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Czechoslovakian_Vz._53_Helmet
It's Polish Wz.50 helmet. The stamp inside shows 'HS' letters, which means 'Huta Silesia' (Silesia Steel Works), one of 2 manufacturers of this helmet type.