Hey everyone, I was just wondering if anyone had any information and what the general value on something like this would be. I picked it up in an antique store in upstate New York for $42.00 and a couple of other various items. I believe it is a Swedish WW2 Helmet but I am not sure, and the paint is 100% intact and only one of the decals is worn a little bit. The liner on the inside is in very good condition and it probably only needs cleaning. If anyone has any info on the value or any facts about it I would greatly appreciate it.
Yes, Swedish: Blue shield with three golden crowns. Model M/37. Was in use in Sweden until 1990, in Finland and Estonia, until ? Oddly, the helmet pictures still has lining of the original type, which was supposed to be swapped out in the late 60's.
Since Sweden did not militarily participate in WW2 but made the helmet from 1937, hence the M37 name and was used until 1990 you would have to find a true expert, to verify it's production date.. A Finnish or Estonian model might have been used in WW2 but would not have carried Swedish signature. Sweden did supply minerals and other aid to Germany during the war but was a non-participant so there probably is no such thing as a Swedish WW2 helmet. It is a nice piece, especially with the original lining . Lots of helmet collectors out there.. I have seen a few show up on eBay.
Whilst they weren't actually in the war, they did prepare for it...notably for me was the SAAB J-21 Post war was given a jet... SAAB...cant build cars but they can sure design a plane!
The M 37 was introduced in 1937 and made over a three-decade period. What makes yours nice is the original lining, quite rare as noted above, many but not all were updated..