20th Century/Poland: Polish Helmet Model 31/1937/Ludwików Steelworks, Kielce/Second Polish Republic/Salamander

Model 31 Helmet
Polish Model 31 helmet. A legendary Polish design from the Second Polish Republic era. One of the most modern 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 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” factories 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. No. L.3554), the Minister of Military Affairs officially approved the new helmet design to be used by the Polish Army. In the interest of Poland’s 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 wz. 31 helmets at the Ludwików Steelworks was codenamed “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 was manufactured for the Polish Army in 1937. It was produced by Huta Ludwików. It is beautifully preserved, with its original “Kirasyt”-type protective varnish (colloquially referred to by collectors as “Salamander”). Inside the helmet shell, the following ink stamps are visible: “K2” (inscribed in an oval) and “LUDWIKÓW|163|37.” A piece worthy of a collection. Dimensions: 16.6 x 23.5 x 28. The condition of the item is shown in the attached photos.