RUSSIAN RARE SSCH-36 HAKINGOLKA HELMET

The French were the first to field a widely issued modern steel helmet during the First World War, introducing the iconic Adrian helmet in 1915. Its design influenced several nations: the British adopted their own steel helmet later that same year, and Germany followed in 1916. Russia received nearly two million French Adrians as an interim solution until domestic production could begin.

The Adrian’s distinctive crest or “comb” was intended to deflect saber blows from mounted cavalry, while also allowing ventilation through the gap beneath it. By 1916, Russia introduced its first national helmet pattern, leading eventually to the more familiar series of Soviet steel helmets.

In 1936, the Soviets began production of the SSCH-36 (Stalnoi Shlem) — a sharply profiled and visually striking design. Production lasted only until 1939 before transitioning to the SSCH-39 and later the SSCH-40, the latter featuring a simplified liner system and rivet arrangement. The short manufacturing window of the SSCH-36 coincided with Stalin’s intense industrialization campaigns, during which military equipment often lagged behind Western standards. As a result, very few SSCH-36 helmets were produced, and many were later melted down to standardize production of the M40 series. Surviving intact examples are therefore exceptionally scarce.

Key Features

• Model: Soviet SSCH-36, early-production example
• Paint: Nearly 100% original factory finish, with only minimal surface oxidation
• Liner: Transitional hybrid style—between the SSCH-40 leather type and early canvas bowl designs
• Chinstrap: Full original leather strap, uncut, permanently riveted to the bales
• Size: Believed to be a Size 2 (one of four standard Soviet sizes)
• Rear Lot Number: 2-1344
• Insignia: Original Soviet red star on the front, verified under USB microscope with oxidation consistent through the paint layer

Collector’s Analysis

The SSCH-36 is one of the most visually distinctive and historically fascinating Soviet helmets. Due to limited production between 1936–1939 and widespread wartime recycling, original examples in untouched condition are extremely hard to find. Many surviving helmets are ground-dug relics from the Balkans or the far eastern fronts, making well-preserved specimens like this one especially desirable.

This particular example stands out for its near-complete original paint, strong structural integrity, and correctly aged red star insignia — all features that significantly enhance its authenticity and display value. For collectors of early Soviet militaria, upgrading beyond this condition would be extremely difficult.

Given the increasing scarcity of genuine pre-war Soviet helmets and the continually rising global demand for early 20th-century military artifacts, this piece also offers excellent long-term investment potential.