Third in a series of tank helmet posts
In an uncharacteristic demonstration of restraint the Russians chose not to rape three quarters of the population.
"How nice, for a change" remarked an elderly Austrian woman who remembered the Russki victory romp of 1945.
Here then, is that marvel of fabric and horsehair; the summer tankman's helmet of the 1970s.
But first a glimpse at some propaganda pix of the Reds in Berlin in 1945. Check out the classic Soviet tank helmets.
I think these commie tankers have more than liberation on their ferret-like little minds.
Here the neck flap is in the down position. The purpose of this flap is not known to me. Perhaps it prevents dust and grime from getting down the back of the tankers neck.
When properly adjusted this helmet is quite comfortable.
This adjustable strap across the dome allows the wearer the ability to customize the fit of the helmet.
Me against them - 1972.
Another adjustment strap located under the flap allows for a snug fit below the nape of the neck.
The use of leather is minimal in this economical helmet, only at the brow...
surrounding the earphones...
and on the short chin strap.
Integral fabric loops control and guide the headphone cables.
Only one nice piece of confection graces the front bumper pad of this otherwise proletarian helmet.
Our brave young tanker contemplates past Red Army victories against the fascists and dreams of future successes against...the Afgans?
до свидания и удача мои друзья
provenance:
accession number: MOA hmar.v2.238.62.20
Helmet - Tank Crewman's Helmet, Soviet Union
Acquired 2005, ebay purchase
Purchase price :$4.50
Condition: excellent
Am I the only one who finds this picture disturbing?
I think these commie tankers have more than liberation on their ferret-like little minds. 
This Soviet tanker's helmet from 1974 is little changed from the days of WWII when the Red Juggernaut was rumbling toward Berlin.
Unlike the fiber, leather, and metal AFV helmets of many other nations of the same era, this number is strictly fabric. Now I don't know from personal experience, but the strategically placed bumpers seem like they would provide somewhat inadequate protection inside a jolting armored fighting vehicle.
If any readers have personal experience with this helmet I'd love to hear about it, that is if you're still with me after that "ferret-like little mind" crack.
The classic profile, with neck flap up.
The classic profile, with neck flap up.
Here the neck flap is in the down position. The purpose of this flap is not known to me. Perhaps it prevents dust and grime from getting down the back of the tankers neck.
When properly adjusted this helmet is quite comfortable.
This adjustable strap across the dome allows the wearer the ability to customize the fit of the helmet.
Markings are abundant, crisp, and colorful.
These markings provide this non-Russian speaker with minimal information, however they do nicely nail down the date of manufacture - 1974, height of the Cold War, back when I was doing my bit to thwart the evil designs of the Red Menace.
These markings provide this non-Russian speaker with minimal information, however they do nicely nail down the date of manufacture - 1974, height of the Cold War, back when I was doing my bit to thwart the evil designs of the Red Menace.
Me against them - 1972.
Access to the rubber headphone cups is provided through hidden slash pockets.
Another adjustment strap located under the flap allows for a snug fit below the nape of the neck.
The use of leather is minimal in this economical helmet, only at the brow...
surrounding the earphones...
and on the short chin strap.
Integral fabric loops control and guide the headphone cables.
Only one nice piece of confection graces the front bumper pad of this otherwise proletarian helmet.
Our brave young tanker contemplates past Red Army victories against the fascists and dreams of future successes against...the Afgans?до свидания и удача мои друзья
provenance:
accession number: MOA hmar.v2.238.62.20
Helmet - Tank Crewman's Helmet, Soviet Union
Acquired 2005, ebay purchase
Purchase price :$4.50
Condition: excellent
Next Monday, another tanker helmet.