Russian M17 Helmet

[Nack]

Got this in the mail today. I think its a Russian M16 or Finnish M17 helmet. If it is Russian or Finnish, I don't know which. I've perused Dr. Bob's book, but I'm still not sure. Thoughts?

It kinda looks like it never had a liner--all the prongs look like they were bent once and thats it, but there isnt any play in the brackets.

[kameli]

Originally Posted by Nack

Got this in the mail today. I think its a Russian M16 or Finnish M17 helmet. If it is Russian or Finnish, I don't know which. I've perused Dr. Bob's book, but I'm still not sure. Thoughts?

Nack,

I am not a particular expert with helmets, but I can tell this:

In Finland we called these helmets Russian M17 helmets, not Finnish M17. These helmets were manufactured in Finland to Russian army. Something about 600 000 helmets were made before Finland´s Civil war 1918. Only 500 helmets were left in Sohlberg´s factories in Helsinki when the war begun. These helmets were used by Red guards and after the liberation of Helsinki in April, 1918, the White guards used also these same helmets. Helmets were used in Finnish army until 1920.

Regards,
Jussi-Pekka

[Nack]

Resurrecting this thread, as I just ran across this helmet again in my collection. Anyone have an idea what these go for on the open market today?

[Jeffrey Meffert]

Over the past few years I've seen them go for a bit over a hundred and approaching 400 if it had some sort of Soviet marking (of course the genuineness of such markings or devices can always be challenged as well)
Ultimately the answer is the same as always; it is worth whatever you can get someone else to pay for it

[Nack]

Wow - cheaper than I thought. Thanks for the thoughts!