Worn alone or under regular hard shell jet pilot helmets. This is a modification of the ShZ-50 helmet series, used by pilots and aircrew of virtually all Soviet aircraft throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s. Unlike the earlier models, the ShZ-71 and its summer variant ShL-71 feature external metal attachments for the oxygen mask and has a cloth front strap for the mask (as opposed to leather as on the ShL/ShZ-50 or its ShL/ShZ-58 modification.)

The liner has a silk manufacturer's label of the Trud industrial conglomerate in Moscow showing a 1972 date. There is no size stamp, but

Worn alone or under regular hard shell jet pilot helmets. This is a modification of the ShZ-50 helmet series, used by pilots and aircrew of virtually all Soviet aircraft throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s. Unlike the earlier models, the ShZ-71 and its summer variant ShL-71 feature external metal attachments for the oxygen mask and has a cloth front strap for the mask (as opposed to leather as on the ShL/ShZ-50 or its ShL/ShZ-58 modification.)

The liner has a silk manufacturer's label of the Trud industrial conglomerate in Moscow showing a 1972 date. There is no size stamp, but the helmet will fit approximately European size 58-59 head (about US size 7 3/8 - 7 1/2 / LARGE).

The helmet is in very good condition, showing service use but no abuse or significant flaws. The leather is still nice and supple and although it has a single small tear in the front area which is not very noticeable, it has no scuffs or worn-out areas. Overall, the exterior is very clean and presentable. The fur on the inside shows wear but is free of soiling; it has only some relatively small threadbare areas but is still largely intact, not shedding. There is the typical light soiling to the inside earphone covers but the covers are still intact and not overly dirty. The cloth strips on the forehead and neck on the inside show significant wear and tears. Includes avionics, albeit with the connecting plugs cut off. All the external straps and hardware are present and fully intact; the metal buckles do not show a significant oxidation, and remain fully functional. There is a mildew smell typical of items that spent decades in a Soviet warehouse, but it's not too strong. Avionics have been removed. Overall, an attractive early example that will display nicely. This version of the Soviet AF soft helmet is far less common than the later modifications such as ShL/ShZ-78 or ShL/ShZ-82.
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