Russian GPW tank helmet

[moskovite]

This is for example microphone for T-34 manufactured in 1942. Voice receiver made from wood, but it also was made from bakelite.

[moskovite]

Headphones looks more or less the same.

[moskovite]

I also like to know until when this tank helmet was manufactured.

Once again what helmet you are talking about? For example this is the same helmet or not? What you need it for?

[asjemenou]

Sorry for my delayed reply but thanks for your very interesting explanation Moskovite. I am so interested in the intercom system of the tank helmet because I got recently a tank helmet. On the Internet I found a picture of the exactly same tank helmet which I have. Unfortunately the tank helmet has no stamps. So, I do not know when it exactly was made.

[ade stevenson]

Very useful thread, thanks for some good info. I have a tankers helmet. It is marked under the neck flap.

Cheers, Ade.

[asjemenou]

My tank helmet has no stamps at all. Not on the inside of the neck flap or on the inside of both flaps over the earphone housing. I noticed that there is a large variation in Russian WWII tank helmets. The models made of canvas can be black, grey or kaki coloured. There is also a variety in fastenings. Some have rings; some others have small buckles for this.
I heard that a blue flannel lining should mean that it is a pre war or early war production. I also received a picture by e-mail which shows a Russian T28 tank crew in the environs of Leningrad (Peterborough) in 1942. They are wearing tank helmets which are looking very similar to my tank helmet.
I also heard that it should be typical for WWII tank helmets that they have three front to back padded tubes over the top of the helmet. But I have seen a Russian 1950’s tank helmet model which has also three of these padded tubes. They look very similar. A different between the WWII and 1950’s model is that the 1950’s model has earphones (also different earphone housing) and throat microphones.
Later on there is the tank helmet for crews of the T54/55 tanks. This tank helmet has four padded tubes over the top of the helmet.

[ade stevenson]

I have not heard of the theory about different coloured linings were early. Mine is a grey/blue.

The new, but still three pad top, helmet was introdued in 1947.

Cheers, Ade.

[asjemenou]

About the fact that blue lining should be pre or early war production. It is just what I have heard about it but I cannot confirm this. Maybe somebody else can. There is a large variety of the Russian WWII tank helmet. I have also seen WWII tank helmets with black lining. Winter versions have even fur lining.
I did not know that the post war tank helmet with also three padded tubes on top was already introduced in 1947. I have only seen a picture of a 1950’s East German tank crew who were wearing this early post war tank helmet.