Finland M17 Infantry Helmet
The M17 helmet is more commonly known as the "Sohlberg" helmet by collectors. The helmet is a Russian design that was manufactured in Finland which was part of the Russian Empire. The M17 was produced at the Sohlberg and Holmberg factories in Helsinki in 1917.
The Finnish Revolution of 1917 stalled production of these helmets and when Finland became an independent State the helmets were incorporated into the new Finnish Army.
The life of the Sohlberg helmet as a frontline combat helmet was short lived, after Civil War broke out in 1918 the 500 or so remaining helmets in the Finns possession were taken by Communist Red Guards before again being liberated by the pro Conservative "White" Guard victors.
The helmets were issued to the Helsinki Regt. Before being withdrawn in 1920 and were then passed into service with Fire, and Civil Defence units.
The original Grey paint is still present on this example (I am led to believe this colour was used with the Helsinki Regt, though would welcome any information on this). The liner is made of Reindeer skin and were produced due to the remaining helmets in Finland being bare shells.
Some M17's found their way into Eastern European Armies for example Poland and Czechoslovakia via the Soviets later in the 1920's and 1930's.
The Russian's also produced M17's but were slightly different than those produced in Finland. The most telling indication of Russian manufacture was that the top vent cap, and the Russian made M17 was also slightly larger.
The Finnish Revolution of 1917 stalled production of these helmets and when Finland became an independent State the helmets were incorporated into the new Finnish Army.
The life of the Sohlberg helmet as a frontline combat helmet was short lived, after Civil War broke out in 1918 the 500 or so remaining helmets in the Finns possession were taken by Communist Red Guards before again being liberated by the pro Conservative "White" Guard victors.
The helmets were issued to the Helsinki Regt. Before being withdrawn in 1920 and were then passed into service with Fire, and Civil Defence units.
The original Grey paint is still present on this example (I am led to believe this colour was used with the Helsinki Regt, though would welcome any information on this). The liner is made of Reindeer skin and were produced due to the remaining helmets in Finland being bare shells.
Some M17's found their way into Eastern European Armies for example Poland and Czechoslovakia via the Soviets later in the 1920's and 1930's.
The Russian's also produced M17's but were slightly different than those produced in Finland. The most telling indication of Russian manufacture was that the top vent cap, and the Russian made M17 was also slightly larger.
