Russia, Soviet Union. A Red Army M1938 Steel Helmet c.1940

In steel, magnetic, the exterior painted in a dark army green on the left side only, with the original black finish visible on portions at the top and on the right side, the raw steel structure of the helmet dominating the right side. The helmet is flared at the front and sides, with a steel comb affixed to the top that was initially designed to deflect sword blows and giving it a medieval or asian look, the comb with four slots at the base, two on either side for ventilation that is aided by a large hole on the underside of the helmet in the dome. There are two insignia painted in red on the exterior, a star on the front along with a shield emblem on the left side (possibly from one of the European countries under German control). Inside, the helmet is stamped "3 A13 5 7" at the back just above the opening, and is missing its liner, the original liner of which would have been manufactured from thin cloth or leather, and was often replaced with a second pattern liner, along with liners from the later M1940 helmet. There are loops affixed to brass straps and secured in place via copper rivets on either side for placement of a chinstrap, with an additional copper rivet appearing at the back of the helmet. It measures 260 mm (w) x 287 mm (d) x 170 mm (h), exhibiting contact marks, scuffing and wear from active use, with a drip of residue evident on the interior. As found. Footnote: This M1938 Steel Lemet was nicknamed the "Khalhingolka" helmet for its widespread use at the Battles of Khalkhin Gol, the decisive engagements of the undeclared Soviet-Japanese border conflicts fought among the Soviet Union, Mongolia, Japan and Manchukuo in 1939. The conflict was named after the river Khalkhin Gol, which passes through the battlefield. The battles resulted in the defeat of the Japanese Sixth Army. By 1942, the M1938 helmet was out of use in the west, as large numbers had been captured by the Germans.