Romanian M73 Steel Helmets

The Surplus Romanian M73 Steel Helmet is a fascinating artifact from Romania’s Cold War military heritage, first introduced by the Romanian Army in 1973. Drawing inspiration from the earlier M38 helmet, which itself evolved from the Dutch M34 design, the M73 reflects a blend of practicality and Eastern Bloc ingenuity. Its distinctive sloping steel shell was engineered for enhanced ballistic performance, marking a significant step in Romania’s mid-20th-century military evolution under communist rule.

Developed during a period of heightened national defense focus, the M73 was produced primarily in the 1980s, as indicated by the markings beneath its leather liner, including serial numbers and manufacturing dates. Equipped with an adjustable liner and a four-point chinstrap with D-ring closure, plus a rear slot for gear attachment, it was designed with the soldier’s needs in mind. Today, this helmet stands as a collectible testament to Romania’s military past, offering enthusiasts and historians a tangible piece of Cold War legacy.

CONDITION: Used, helmets will be in overall good condition, lacking major dents, broken components, severe rust, or rotting leather. Helmets may have minor surface rust on the shell and hardware, minor cracks on leather, and scratches on the pain of the shell (See last two pictures for a sampling of conditions). Many actually appear to be unissued but have sustained wear from being in prolonged storage.

We suggest cleaning all parts of the helmet and conditioning the leather to preserve the helmet long term.