Information on WWII German Helmets

Types of WWII German Helmets

There are four German combat helmets that were used from 1935 through 1945.  It is generally thought that Transitional helmets only were used during the build up to World War II.   However, I have seen a number of War War II photos where the German soldiers were still using the M1918.   Many M18's were used well into the War.   

The M1918 Transitional Helmet:   The M1918 is very close to the World War One style German helmet.  The difference is that the lower Rivet toward the bottom of the right side and left side of the helmet are not present.  The German economy was in shambles during the 1930's and it was cost effective to refurbish the late World War One helmet, the M1918.   Typically the transitional helmets feature an M1931 liner as well.   Many of the Transitional M1918 helmets were used throughout the War, especially through the early 1940's.    They are becoming highly collectable.   

Classic example of the M1918

The M1935 Helmet:  The M1935 helmet was introduced in 1935, hence the name, M1935.   Compared to a Transitional World War I German helmet, the M1935 was much lighter and more compact, and offered more comfort.   The air vents were made of separately inserted hollow steel rivets.  The edge of the helmet was turned under or "rolled" on the undersides.  The shells were distinctly more oval in shape from front to back when compared to the M1940 helmet.   The M1935 definitely brought a more modern look to the World War II German combat helmets.  

Classic example of the M1935

The M1940 Helmet:  In 1940, the M1935 German helmet was modified into what is known as the M1940. The main difference between the M1935 and the M1940 is in the air vent holes.   The M1940 has a stamped air hole made to look like a rivet, instead of the actual rivet found on the M1935.  The M1940 was made of an improved steel made from manganese-silicon.  The M1940 also was manufactured through a process of hot stamping the metal.  The M1940 is like the M1935 with regard to the rolled steel edges.   

Classic example of the M1940

The M1942 Helmet:  The World War II German combat helmet underwent a third modification in July, 1942.  As an economic measure the rolled edge was eliminated.    The edge of the M1942 is flared a bit and the edge is an unfinished edge.  Other than the lack of the rolled edge, the M1942 was identical to the M1940 helmet.   In August of 1943, the factories also ceased to apply decals.   This explains the lack of decals on many M1942's that have survived.  

Classic example of the M1942

The M1938 Fallschirmjager (Paratrooper) Helmet:  The World War II German Paratrooper helmet is quite different from that of the typical shaped German Helmets from WWI & WWII.   They are more round in nature with slight visor at the front.  The initial design was to allow for a more aerodynamic shape to prevent injury when jumping, especially from the violent prop blast that a Trooper would experience when exiting the aircraft.   These typically are manufactured by the ET firm and you will normally find these in size 66, 68, & 71.   They are quite scarce, more so than even the SS helmets, and command high market values, especially the higher quality pieces.  

Classic example of the M1938 Fallschirmjager

World War II German Helmet manufacturing plants

World War II German helmets will typically have a marking that will identify the plant in which the helmet was manufactured.  Most original World War II German helmets will have the stamp either on the inside, back area, or on the left inside close to the chin strap.  If a helmet lacks the manufacturer stamp, it may be a Post War German border guard helmet or a reproduction.  The Post War guard helmets are fairly easy to identify.  The Air Vent stamp is somewhat bigger than those found on the M1940 or M1942.  Also, the liner will have perforated holes in the front.   Note that some M1942 German helmets received very weak stamps due to what appears to have been a manufacturing issue.   Here are the correct factory markings to look for when evaluating a German helmet.

Marking  Manufacturing Firm  City

(FS or EF)-Emaillierwerke AG, Fulda, Germany

(ET or ckl)-Eisenhuttenwerke, Thale, Germany

(Q)-Quist, Esslingen, Germany

(NS)-Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke, Schwerte, Germany

(SE or hkp)-Sachsische Emaillier u. Stanzwerke, Lauter, Germany

(Source: Baer, 1995)

You will also see the size stamp after the Manufacturing mark, such as Q66.   In this case, you have a helmet manufactured by the Quist firm, size 66 cm.   The sizes ran from very small of 60 cm, up to 70 cm.   The majority of the helmets were manufactured in size 62, 64, and 66.   

Shell Identification by Manufacturing Firm 

      (Chart by Nick Herpoel)

If you cannot find a maker mark, you may be able to identify the maker by the shape of the shell.   This is a bit more tricky but if you study the chart carefully and your helmet at the correct angle, you should be able to note the subtle differences. 

Decals

The M1918 and M1935 German helmets typically had the National Colors decal on the right side of the helmet and the correct service decal on the left side.   The National Colors decal is a Tri-color decal with Black, White, and Red.   German helmets with decals on both sides are known as 'Double Decal' helmets.   Some M1940's had decals on both sides.   In March of 1940, the National Colors decal was discontinued through order of the German High Command.   Service decals remained on the left side of the helmet until August of 1943.   The examples with one decal on the left side are known as 'Single Decal' helmets.

Classic National Colors Decal

The Service decals were placed on the left side of the helmet.  The regular German Army helmets are known as 'Heer' helmets and are identified by the Eagle and Swastika in Silver.  The German Navy or Kriegsmarine service decal is exactly like the Heer decal, with the exception of the Eagle and Swastika are in a beautiful Gold.   They are fairly easy to identify under a loop as the Gold flakes are very prominent.    The Kriegsmarine servicemen were primarily on ship board, submarine, and coastal artillery batteries.   However, many Kriegsmarine units are activated into Front line combat.   Only about 1/10th of helmets manufactured were issued to the Kriegsmarine, thus making the Kriegsmarine helmets rare.  The Kriegsmarine was also very successful in procuring the M1935s when they became available in 1935.   The speed in which they adopted the M1935 led to very few M1918 Transitional Kriegsmarine remaining in service.    The M1918 Transitional Kriegsmarine are considered to be one of the more rare surviving World War II German helmets.

Early Gray Lined Heer Decal

Luftwaffe helmets are easily identified by the Eagle with Wings spread, with the Swastika being held in the right talon.   The placement of the decal is also on the left side of the helmet.   The Luftwaffe units served in many capacities but were primarily Air Field personnel and Anti-aircraft batteries.   As German resources became stretched thin on the Eastern and Western fronts, many units of the Luftwaffe were activated into Front line combat infantry roles, as were Kriegsmarine units.  

Classic 2nd Pattern Luftwaffe Decal                     Classic Early Luftwaffe Snakeleg Decal

The Waffen SS German helmets are identified by the Runes SS decal on the right side of the helmet.   Early Double Decal Waffen SS German helmets were typically M18s, M35s, and some M40s.   The left side of the helmets had the National Party decal.  The National Party decal was a Red Shield, with the Swastika in the middle.   Foreign volunteers made up close to half the the Waffen SS troops, and usually placed the SS Runes decal on the left side of the helmet.   It was also common to see them place the Waffen SS decal on both sides of their helmets.   Waffen SS troops role were two fold; front line combat, and concentration camps.   The Waffen SS troops represented Germany's best and worst. 

Classic 1st Pattern SS Decal (Quist firm)     Classic 2nd Pattern SS Decal (ET)          Classic NAZI Party Decal

In Front line combat, many fought with valor.   They also were responsible for the carrying out of Hitler's final solution with the extermination of the Jewish people.   In spite of this fact, the combat reputation of the Waffen SS troops, has led to the Waffen SS German helmets being the most sought after by collectors.   There are two patterns of Waffen SS decals, known as first pattern, and second pattern.   Original Waffen SS decals exhibit a very high content of metal, creating a high metallic silver shimmer, especially in the first pattern.   The second pattern Waffen SS decals are somewhat more subdued but still shimmer in natural light.   The Runes are somewhat blockier than the first pattern as well.  Beware of any Waffen SS decal that has a more fine powdery texture.   Waffen SS helmets are the most misrepresented in the marketplace, so approach with caution.  I recommend only buying Waffen SS helmets that have been authenticated by an expert.   99% of Waffen SS helmets on the market, especially Ebay are fakes.  Don't let your desire for one cloud your judgment. 

Classic Combat Police (Quist firm)

Combat Police decals can be bordered and un-bordered.   They are a number of variants of the Combat police decal.   Police decals can also be found on Civic versions of the Police helmet, as well as the Military Police versions which were typically Combat helmets.   

Kriegsmarine (German Navy)

Kriegsmarine decals are very close to the Heer decals with the exception that they are a very deep gold.   Often, Lacquer toned Heer decals are mistaken for Kriegsmarine.   A Kriegsmarine is very distinctive and is easily identified as Kriegsmarine due to the deep Gold.   Also, if you notice, the Eagle is layered onto the black shield.  You will not see this type of layering on a Heer decal.