C035187 FINISH CIVIL DEFENSE M17 "Sohlberg" HELMET.
BACKGROUND:
Finnish/Russian M17 helmet known as the "Sohlberg" helmet. The helmet is Russian design that was manufactured by Finland, which at the time was part of the Russian Empire. The M17 was produced at the Sohlberg and Holmberg factories in Helsinki in 1917, and were intended for shipment to Russia for installation of liners and issue to Russian Troops. The Finnish Revolution of 1917 stalled production of these helmets, and when Finland became an independent State the helmets were incorporated into the new Finnish Army. Those completed in Finland had fine reindeer skin liners, which were much softer than the Russian issue liners. The life of the Sohlberg helmet as a frontline combat helmet was unfortunately short-lived, as after Civil War broke out in 1918 the 500 or so remaining helmets in the Finns possession were taken by Communist Red Guards before again being liberated by the pro Conservative "White" Guard victors. The helmets were issued to the Helsinki Regiment, before being withdrawn in 1920 and were then passed into service with Fire, and Civil Defense units. The Russian's also produced M17's but were slightly different than those produced in Finland. The most telling indication of Russian manufacture was that the top vent cap, and the Russian made M17 was also slightly larger.PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Sohlberg Helmet - Circa 1919. Finnish civil defense helmet with the black paint cleaned off and a French liner added. You can see remains of the black paint in the scratches and around some of the fittings and even a bit of the white of the original Helsinki CD insignia on the front. There are areas where the paint has been touched up which are noticeable in bright light...inside and around the top vent. Roughly a size 56/57.
GRADE **** PRICE $299.00
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