20th Century/Poland: Polish Helmet, Model 31/1936, Ludwików Steelworks, Salamander, Second Polish Republic

Model 31 Helmet
Polish Model 31 helmet. A legendary Polish design from the Second Polish Republic era. One of the most advanced and best helmets of World War II. The Model 31 helmet is the most advanced and successful Polish helmet design from the interwar period, and is currently the subject of widespread collector interest in Poland and on international markets. At the turn of the 1920s and 1930s, the Polish Army recognized the need to develop a new military helmet design that could be mass-produced using the capabilities of the domestic industry. Intensive conceptual work was carried out, and in the early 1930s, successive batches of helmets manufactured by various producers were subjected to testing. In 1934, helmet shells from the “Sosnowiec” and “Ludwików” foundries underwent rigorous testing involving bullet penetration tests with pistol and rifle ammunition, which yielded exceptionally good results. For example, 9 out of 10 helmets manufactured by the “Ludwików” Steelworks withstood the penetration tests. As a result, by a decision dated August 26, 1935 (ref. L.3554), the Minister of Military Affairs officially approved the new helmet design to be used by the Polish Army. In the interest of Polish national security, the supplier was required to use domestic materials, raw materials, and semi-finished products—not only in terms of where they were purchased but also where they were manufactured. To protect military secrets, the production of Model 31 helmets at the Ludwików Steelworks was designated by the code name: “production of H-type pots.” The wz. 31 helmet accompanied Polish soldiers during the September Campaign of 1939 and today is one of the most recognizable mementos and, at the same time, a symbol of the heroic battles fought in September. During World War II, wz. 31 helmets were used by soldiers in the forest units of the Polish Underground State and by the Warsaw Insurgents. After World War II, the excellent wz. 31 helmet continued to be used by units of the postwar Polish Army.
The helmet offered here comes from a batch of helmets manufactured for the Polish Army in 1936 at the Ludwików Steelworks. It is very well-preserved, with its original “Kirasyt”-type protective lacquer (colloquially referred to by collectors as “Salamandra”). The helmet features a short, unnumbered visor. Inside the shell, the following stamps are visible: an image of the Model 27 state eagle, the letters “WP,” and the inscription: “LUDWIKÓW|17|36.” The batch number and the last digit of the year of manufacture are faintly stamped. The liner is characteristic of this production period, featuring a chin pad secured with a single rivet. Also typical of this production period are the rivet shanks (short and long). A highly recommended piece. Dimensions: 16.6 x 23.5 x 28. The condition of the item is shown in the attached photos.