tankers' helmet

[iannima]

Both Genosse Rob and Genosse Viktor had always advised me to look for a fully fur lined tankers' helmet rather the unlined version. Have I got the real deal?



It looks all fine to me, but I have never handled one of these before. It seems to me that the outer is some kind of fabric but not the self destructing material we have recently mentioned.
What puzzles me is this label:



I have not seen one like this on any other NVA item. Is it original?

[iannima]

And now for playing the buffoon

Strichtarn with exposed buttons etc. etc. I have seen it in the historical documents both with and without belt and gas mask...



The "Drillich" uniform that was used for Parktag and is also documented in earlier parades. It should not be confused with the HBT service uniform with exposed buttons that sometimes goes by the same name. There is basically a very similar version of this in the self destructing, allegedly waterproof material...



And the black Panzeranzug certainly used in the parades of 1988-89:

[Mike G.]

Hi Matteo,

Very nice - very very nice.

I have an NVA Tanker's Helmet and it is a winter version, but unfortunately it is of the grey in color material and not the black leather like your helmet. So I don't know if the markings on it will be applicable - probably not. I'll dig it out anyway and see how it is marked. I suspect it will be in white chalk looking stuff and not the professional sewed in tag like the one in your helmet.

Again, that is a very nice looking Tanker's Helmet. I hope it proves to be legite. It certainly from the ones I've handled, looks okay to me.

[Dag]

Yep, it is the right one. It doesn't look as if it was issued, though. And certainly never washed (regardless what the label indicates, it could be washed.
However, a tanker would never wear it like this. On the other hand, for a staged photo it is acceptable (but still hurts the eyes.

BTW, you wouldn't wear gloves with summer uniforms.

[grenzflieger]

Great looking tank helmet. Great thread. These helmets (in combination with) the black tank drivers uniform are my favorite NVA items!!

I've never seen one in real so I'm nog able to help you but I'm curious what the others will say. It will help me determine the autheticity of the one I'll buy in very near future.

[Viktor]

Genosse iannima, Very Nice... now you can watch its self destruction as we all have to do with this vinyl material... keep it out of the Sun and Damp.

Good Kill.

[Mike G.]

Matteo,

Is it my imagination or is this helmet sans the microphone? I don't see it?
I know they progressed beyond kicking the driver and the gunner in the back of the neck to communicate by 1987 , so there presumably would be a microphone.....

[iannima]

Matteo,

Is it my imagination or is this helmet sans the microphone?

I cannot see it either... I am not clear what those two black things on the leather strings at the front are supposed to do. They are wired into the back where also the headphones wires go...

[Mike G.]

Matteo,

That is the intercom cord. They connect to a junction box inside the Tank. They permit you to communicate on the Tank's internal intercom and also effect outside communication if the Tank is equipped with a radio.

With the helmet configured the way it now is, you would be able to hear, but not be able to speak. You still need a microphone. I think it is missing.

No big deal, it is still a good looking helmet. My Soviet Winter Tanker's Helmet (just like my NVA one) which was acquired while in Berlin in 78 or 79 doesn't have the mic either. It is still an awesome helmet.

I have to acknowledge that even though these helmets in my opinion are not as esthetically pleasing (personal taste) as its western American counterpart; from the aspect of practicality, they are a better design and better helmet. [ But I still like my Armor Vehicle CVC Helmet. ]

[iannima]

Good Kill.

Genosse Viktor,
I vaguely remember a photograph of you engaged in the defense of Felixstan wearing a tankers' helmet. Was it like this? or unlined? Having seen MANY examples of the self destructing material, I have acquired a feeling as to what will self destruct faster... This one seems better, although I might just be deluding myself. In any case it is unlikely to see much use... The only instance in which I could possibly have a need for it, is when I act as commander of my friend Alan's Ferret...



but that being an inferior, imperialist NATO product, it is unlikely that the wiring will be compatible with the peace loving, purely defensive apparatus integral to this helmet complex...

And yes I know that my commanding a British Army scout car will have to go in my file and will be investigated by Moscow Centre etc. etc. ...
I feel so flattered that Moscow Centre is so constantly working on my case

[David H]

Good uniform pictures, but with the indentity obscured I can't quite figure out who it is..........? wait.......... no it can't be..............

could it be.............

[David H]

Mickey Mauski..... the infamous undercover stasi operative..........or

[David H]

Mr Star Warski a lesser known film extra now working as a catalogue model.....

[iannima]

Dave! !
I like the last one better... after all my childhood hero was Darth Vader... ... Some people say that they can tell

[Dag]

I cannot see it either... I am not clear what those two black things on the leather strings at the front are supposed to do. They are wired into the back where also the headphones wires go...

The helmet is complete!
Those "black two things on the leather strings" are your microphones. Or, to be more precise, they should be inside the leather pouches.
The use of throat mikes like these cancels out any surrounding noise and you can talk without having to even raise your voice.
The boom-mike so familiar from Britsh anf American tank helmets were never used in eastern block (armoured and other) vehicles with intercom facilities or radios in general. Excluding, of course, specific equipment of signal units.
So, provided you have access to a working vehicle, you can listen and talk with the helmet, assuming is is functioning in itself, i.e. no loose/broken cables or similar problems within the helmet.