As noted, the Swiss M71 helmet was the standard-issue combat helmet for the Swiss land forces beginning in the 1970s. The military of Switzerland dates back to the cantonal troops of the Old Swiss Confederacy – the pre-cursor to modern day Switzerland. Fast forward a few years and we see the establishment of the federal army alongside the signing of the Swiss Federal Constitution in 1848. Today, the military of Switzerland is comprised of only about 5 percent professional soldiers, with the remaining personnel consisting of conscripted soldiers. All Swiss soldiers, by law of the Swiss militia system, are required to store all army issued equipment, including their personal service weapons, in their homes. You can continue their tradition with this authentic Swiss M71 helmet.
Each Swiss M71 helmet features a solid-steel construction and a coat of olive drab paint that has survived beautifully throughout the years. The unique texture of the helmet is not unlike the modified Swiss M18 helmets, which were created with paint that included a mixture of sawdust. The original leather liner remains intact and is adjustable for to most sizes. Being that these helmets were originally manufactured in the 1970s, the lack of modern materials and technology with respect to the liner is unsurprising. As such, the leather liner is adjusted by way of a cotton drawstring. Similarly, the leather chinstrap remains intact and is also fully adjustable for a number of different configurations.
Earlier I mentioned the fact that Swiss soldiers are required to store all military-issued equipment, including their personal service weapons, in their homes. That alone gives each helmet a sense of personal history. But, as an added bonus, many of these helmets still carry individual service tags, which identify the soldier of issue by name – great for those who prefer items with a bit of personal history.
Finally, as noted, each helmet comes with one alpenflage camouflage helmet cover. Alpenflage is the name collectors use for the Swiss TAZ 83 camouflage pattern – a six-color pattern similar to German Leibermuster camouflage.
Sure, these helmets may not have seen any actual combat seeing as Switzerland is a neutral nation, but they still offer a slice of unique history that cannot be found in any other piece. The Swiss M71 helmet is perfect for:
- Swiss military enthusiasts
- Collectors
- Reenactments
- Costumes
- Paintball
- Much more…
Grab yours today for just $31.95.
