WWII GERMAN HELMETS
Stahlhelm is the German word for "steel helmet". Since WWI, the German military helmet has always been a distinct icon--beginning with the Pickelhaube (spiked combat helmet) and transitioning to the various Stahlhelm variants of WWII. Both German and Allied military propaganda used the German helmet due to its instant recognizability.
Although many WWI model helmets (M1916 - M1918) were refurbished and used in WWII, the focus of this section will be on the four most common German combat helmets worn during WWII.
In researching a German WWII helmet, collectors examine all aspects of the helmet--even using a jewelers loupe or a microscope. If you are new to collecting, it is essential to identify the following:
Although many WWI model helmets (M1916 - M1918) were refurbished and used in WWII, the focus of this section will be on the four most common German combat helmets worn during WWII.
In researching a German WWII helmet, collectors examine all aspects of the helmet--even using a jewelers loupe or a microscope. If you are new to collecting, it is essential to identify the following:
- The helmet variant (M35, M38, M40 or M42)
- The military branch (Heer, Luftwaffe, SS, Police, etc.)
- The manufacturer and the size of the helmet
- The lot number
How to Indentify the Variant of a German WWII Steel Helmet
 M35 ET64 #3547 Police Double Decal  M35 EF64 #3438 Heer Sawdust Tri-color Camo  M35 SE64 #4088 Heer Double Decal Overpaint |
Model 1935 or M35Manufacturing of the M35 began some time around 1935, and the German High Command began issuing the new model helmet to all branches of the military between 1935 - 1937.
M35 helmets are known for their superior construction and paint finish. These helmets, depending on the factory, were issued in various shades of green. The M35 helmet was commonly issued with two decals--known to collectors as a "double decal". Many collectors seek these early helmets due to the workmanship and decal configuration. These helmets often went through refurbishment during the war. During this refurbishment process, it was common for a helmet to receive a new paint application, a new decal, a new liner, and any other necessary work. Therefore, many M35s will display a finish and decals different than what they were originally issued with. The easiest way to identify an M35 helmet is by examining the bottom edges of the helmet and the vent holes. If the edges roll under the helmet and if steel rivets were placed in the vent holes, the helmet is a German Model 35. |
 M40 Q64 #IN131 Luftwaffe Single Decal  M40 ET62 #739 SS Single Decal |
Model 1940 or M40In early 1940, the German combat helmet underwent a significant change in order to simplify its construction and to reduce the its overall glare and visibility. The new helmet, named the "M40" by collectors, featured the following changes: a rough textured factory paint finish, a slate-grey standard paint color, stamped vent holes, and a smaller silhouette. The removal of the national shield (tri-color) began some time between the transition from the M35 to the M40; therefore, very few M40s contain a second national shield decal. The M40, however, still boasted a similar overall shape with a flared skirt and rolled edges.
Again, the easiest way to identify an M40 helmet is to look at the vent holes. If no rivets were inserted into the vent holes and the skirt edges roll under, the helmet is a German Model 40. |
 M42 hkp64 #3107 Heer Single Decal  M42 NS64 #D422 Heer No Decal  M42 EF64 #3476 Brushed Swirl Camo |
Model 1942 or M42The German combat helmet design went through a dramatic overhaul in 1942. The new design, known as the “M42”, was a result of wartime demands. The rolled edge along the base of the shell skirt was eliminated—replaced with an edge that flares away from the helmet. The elimination of the rolled edges expedited the time to manufacture the helmet and reduced the overall production cost. At the factory, the new helmets received a light application of matte gray-green paint. In addition, helmet decals were gradually eliminated. Both of the lighter application of paint and the elimination of decals sped the production time and reduced the helmet's combat visibility.
The M42 is very easy to identify given its unique characteristics. The manufacturing standards of the M42 fell well below those exhibited in the M35 and M40. As a result, the M42 is often susceptible to rust and deterioration over time. Despite the crude nature of this late war helmet, the M42 is iconic and is considered the quintessential German WWII combat helmet. |
How to Identify the Military Branch of a German WWII Steel Helmet
A majority of German WWII combat helmets will fall under one of the following organizations: Heer (Army), Luftwaffe (Air Force), Kriegsmarine (Navy), Waffen-SS (Paramilitary Force), or Feldgendarmerie (Combat Police).
The Wehrmacht was the united armed forces of Germany from 1935 until 1945. The Wehrmacht was comprised of three main branches: Heer, Luftwaffe, and Kriegsmarine. In addition to the Wehrmacht, the Waffen-SS and various other organizations fought for and in defense of Germany during WWII. The Waffen-SS was the combat branch of the SS--Germany's paramilitary organization. The Feldgendarmerie was a Police organization forced into a combat role.
Identifying the military branch will be an easy task--the Kriegsmarine being the exception. Kriegsmarine decals are nearly identical to Heer decals. The only differnce between the two decals is the original issued color, Kriegsmarine being gold. Heer decals can, however, "tone" over time and take on a golden color. Therefore, when deciding between Heer and Kriegsmarine, pay close attention to the overall color and the consistency of the decal. Toned Heer decals will lack the consistent deep metalic gold color of a Kriegsmarine.
Below are examples of the decals representing each military organization described above.
The Wehrmacht was the united armed forces of Germany from 1935 until 1945. The Wehrmacht was comprised of three main branches: Heer, Luftwaffe, and Kriegsmarine. In addition to the Wehrmacht, the Waffen-SS and various other organizations fought for and in defense of Germany during WWII. The Waffen-SS was the combat branch of the SS--Germany's paramilitary organization. The Feldgendarmerie was a Police organization forced into a combat role.
Identifying the military branch will be an easy task--the Kriegsmarine being the exception. Kriegsmarine decals are nearly identical to Heer decals. The only differnce between the two decals is the original issued color, Kriegsmarine being gold. Heer decals can, however, "tone" over time and take on a golden color. Therefore, when deciding between Heer and Kriegsmarine, pay close attention to the overall color and the consistency of the decal. Toned Heer decals will lack the consistent deep metalic gold color of a Kriegsmarine.
Below are examples of the decals representing each military organization described above.
Heer - Army Luftwaffe Adler 1 - Air Force Luftwaffe Adler 2 - Air Force |
Kriegsmarine - Navy Waffen-SS - Paramilitary Force Feldgendarmerie - Combat Police |
How to Identify the Manufacturer and the Size of a German WWII Steel Helmet
German combat helmets were made by several different manufacturers during WWII. And, unlike the US M1 helmet, the German helmet came in a variety of sizes. For collectors, it is always important to identify the manufacturer and size of a helmet. This is easily discerned by locating the manufacturer code and the size stamp underneath the skirt of a helmet. The typical sizes of German helmets are: 60, 62, 64, 66, and 68.
The following are the known WWII German helmet manufacturersand their corresponding code:
The following are the known WWII German helmet manufacturersand their corresponding code:
 EF 64  ET 62  NS 64  Q 64  SE 64 |
EF(Emaillierwerke A.G. in Fulda)
ET or ckl(Eisenhutten plant in Thale)
NS(Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke in Schwerte)
Q(F.W. Quist in Esslingen)
SE or Hkp(Sachsische Emallier-und Stanzwerke AG in Lauter)
bvl or qvl(Unknown Origin)
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How to Identify the Lot Number on a German WWII Steel Helmet
In addition to the manufacturer and size stamp, all WWII German helmets contain a lot number. The lot number stamp represents the production run of the helmet. Helmet collectors often use lot numbers to determine the correct decal configuration for a helmet--theorizing that helmets were done in lots with each lot possessing common characteristics. See the photos below for examples of lot number stamps:
German WWII Camouflage Helmets
Throughout WWII, the German military used camouflage effectively. German soldiers camouflaged vehicles, helmets, uniforms, and field gear using a variety of mediums, patterns, and schemes. The sheer number and variety of German WWII camouflaged helmets, or "camo" helmets, is proof of this.
The camouflage applied to WWII German helmets included some of the following mediums: thick brush applied paint, spray paint, vehicle paint, house paint, and paint mixed with sawdust, wood chips, sand, concrete or Zimmerit. Rubber tubes or bands, chicken wire, and other various wires were added to helmets--allowing soldiers to attach foliage to their helmets.
Many German soldiers were very creative and even artistic when applying a camouflage pattern to their helmets. Therefore, many exotic WWII German camo patterns exist. Striped, swirl, turtle shell, dabbed, and tri-color are just a few examples of these camo patterns.
The location and the season of the fighting dictated the camo scheme used. Several common camo schemes exist: North Africa camo / DAK camo (tan and pink), winter camo (vehicle whitewash or white based paint), Normandy camo (tri-color--green, tan, and brick red), and Mediterranean camo (light green, tan, and brown).
WWII German camo helmets are extremely desirable. German camo helmets command a very high price from collectors. However, many reproduction camo helmets exist, and collectors should use extreme caution when purchasing a camo helmet. No standard method of authenticating a camo paint application exists; therefore, experience, forum inquiries, and the help of advanced collectors are the best way of authenticating a camo paint application.
The camouflage applied to WWII German helmets included some of the following mediums: thick brush applied paint, spray paint, vehicle paint, house paint, and paint mixed with sawdust, wood chips, sand, concrete or Zimmerit. Rubber tubes or bands, chicken wire, and other various wires were added to helmets--allowing soldiers to attach foliage to their helmets.
Many German soldiers were very creative and even artistic when applying a camouflage pattern to their helmets. Therefore, many exotic WWII German camo patterns exist. Striped, swirl, turtle shell, dabbed, and tri-color are just a few examples of these camo patterns.
The location and the season of the fighting dictated the camo scheme used. Several common camo schemes exist: North Africa camo / DAK camo (tan and pink), winter camo (vehicle whitewash or white based paint), Normandy camo (tri-color--green, tan, and brick red), and Mediterranean camo (light green, tan, and brown).
WWII German camo helmets are extremely desirable. German camo helmets command a very high price from collectors. However, many reproduction camo helmets exist, and collectors should use extreme caution when purchasing a camo helmet. No standard method of authenticating a camo paint application exists; therefore, experience, forum inquiries, and the help of advanced collectors are the best way of authenticating a camo paint application.
Normandy Tri-color Sawdust Camo Green Brushed Camo Wood Chip Camo Half Basket Chicken Wire Camo |
Normandy Tri-color Spray Camo Green and Tan Dabbed Camo Thick Brushed Stripe Camo Kriegsmarine Shipboard Paint |
Other German WWII Helmets
 1st Pattern DAK Heer Pith Helmet |
Pith Helmet or M40 TropenhelmPith helmets are lightweight colth-covered helmets made of cork or pith. The German Afrika Corps (Deutsches Afrikakorps) utilized the pith, as did some German soldiers in Crete and other tropical regions. The WW2 German pith helmet was issued to all military branches and was worn primarily in non-front-line areas. Two patterns of the German pith helmet exist--1st and 2nd. The 1st pattern pith helmet was covered by a canvas material. The 2nd pattern pith helmet was covered by a felt material.
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