General Information: Immediately after the end of the First World War, the Czechoslovakians used leftover Austro-Hungarian M17 helmets. Starting in 1919 they began production of the vz.20[1]. This helmet was basically a slightly modified version of the Austro-Hungarian M17 German model helmet (see Austro-Hungarian M17). The main visual difference was that the vz.20 were initially fitted with a decorative comb like the type used on French Adrian models. In 1934, however, the combs were removed, although the vz.20 designation was retained.[2]
Like its predecessor, the vz.20 had chinstrap attachment rivets located in a higher position than they were in the German M16/17s. Early production runs of the helmet used the same color brown paint used on the Austro-Hungarian helmets. One external differentiator is that the split pins for the liner attachment were generally domed like those used for the attachment of the chinstrap hardware. There are many instances, however, where flat split pins were used for the liner attachment (see period photo above). In later production runs and for most of the vz.20s produced, the Czechoslovakians used a brownish-green or more solidly dark green color paint. The liners were the German WWI pattern with three leather pads attached to a metal band. The leather was most frequently white, but brown leather was also used. Early versions of the vz.20 had cloth chinstraps and chinstrap hardware that was almost identical to that used on the wartime Berndorfer helmets (see Austro-Hungarian Berndorfer). This incorporated a slide buckle and a clamp buckle. Later versions of the vz.20 used a leather chinstrap with a split section in the middle for placement of the wearer’s chin. The same chinstrap was used on the vz.32 (see Czechoslovakian vz.32).
Most of the surviving vz.20 are ones with the combs removed. On these helmets you can often detect welding spots where the combs were originally attached. The lot numbers for the steel plates used to make the helmets can be found on top of the dome section like the Austro-Hungarian helmets and unlike the German helmets which had lot numbers inside the dome. One characteristic of the Czechoslovakian produced vz.20s is that they were all size 66 and lacked stepped side lugs which were a feature of the smaller size German model helmets. In addition, they lack the manufacturer and size stamps on the interior visor sections that were a feature of the German model helmets made during the war.[3]
Complicating the picture for collectors is the fact that the Austrians produced a helmet very similar to the vz.20 and it can be difficult to distinguish between the two types (see Austrian M17). The Austrians tended to use flat rather than domed split pins for attaching the liners, although like the Czechoslovakians, they used both. A more reliable differentiator is the chinstrap. The Austrians used a leather chinstrap designated the Model 1925 (see Austrian M17 and Austrian Gendarme). This was a two-piece chinstrap made of sturdy leather using black painted roller buckles and two belt loops to hold the loose end of the long section.
After the introduction of the vz.32 helmet the Czechoslovakians began to phase out the vz.20 helmets, but they continued in use by some troops, such as artillery units up until 1938.[4] [5]
After the German takeover of Czechoslovakia, many of the vz.20 helmet were removed from storage and refurbished for use by the German Wehrmacht. Some of the vz.20s found their way to Finland and Afghanistan and likely elsewhere.
It should be noted that the Czechoslovakians refurbished many German and Austro-Hungarian helmets, including Berndorfer domestic models, which remained in former Austro-Hungarian arsenals and barracks within the newly formed country. The German model helmets were given the same treatment as the vz.20s with French-style combs and new Czechoslovakian liners, etc. Except for the refurbished Berndorfer domestic model helmets, these too may be designated vz.20s even though the shells were produced during the war. Czechoslovakian vz.20 helmets made from refurbished WWI stock may be found in various sizes, unlike ones manufactured in Czechoslovakia which were only size 66.
Displayed Example: I acquired this helmet with the help of a friend in Europe who purchased it for me from a person who was selling off part of his collection. It is a classic example of a domestically produced Czechoslovakian vz.20. As is typical of these helmets, it has domed split pins to secure the liner band. The helmet is painted a brownish-green color that is normal for this type. The liner is a made of white leather with reinforced eyelets for the drawstring, which is missing. As with all vz.20s there are no manufacturer or size markings on the shell. The early model cloth chinstrap is basically a copy of the ones used on Austro-Hungarian Berndorfer helmets. The lot number visible at the top of the helmet is 840. On close examination, you can see spots where the comb was welded to the top of the helmet.
Collector Notes: When I first revived my helmet collecting hobby in 2008 Czechoslovakian vz.20s were not uncommon and not terribly expensive. I suspect there was a cache or caches of these helmets that were discovered and released into the collector’s market. More recently, however, they have become scarce. Once I decided to add a vz.20 to my collection, it took be about a year to find one. I monitored dealer websites for months to no avail. Finally, I had to lean on my collector friend network to locate one of these things. These interesting historical objects are no longer inexpensive but tend to be on par or slightly below comparable Austro-Hungarian helmets in price. They are often misidentified as Austro-Hungarian helmets. That is one thing to be on the lookout for. Examples of this helmet that retain their French style combs exist and surface from time to time but are exceedingly rare and command high prices.
[1] Vz is an abbreviation of the Czech and Slovak term “vzor” meaning model.
[2] Klokočník, Radovan. “Czechoslovak vz. 20 helmet with removed comb.” Collect-Helmets. https://collect-helmets.snadno.eu/Czechoslovak-Helmets—Period-photos.html. Accessed April 19, 2025.
[3] This is based on my observation of vz.20 helmets and from communication with a Czech collector who is knowledgeable about this helmet type.
[4] Klokočník, Radovan. ibid
[5] Plasseraud, Yves. 1991. pp65
Steel Helmets of the World Wars 