Headgear -
Model 1942 SS Single Decal Combat Helmet
Item #: Waffen SS Single Decal Helmet
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German Helmet History
The World War II German combat helmet has a history which is tied to its World War I predecessor; the leather spike-topped helmets of the early years of the Great War. The familiar spiked-topped helmet was replaced in 1916 with a new steel helmet (stahlhelm) designated the M1916 for the year of its introduction. This steel helmet was developed in response to the French's distribution of the early Adrian model helmets which were in fact the first wartime steel helmets ever issued by a 20th Century army. The M16 helmet went through several modifications during World War I resulting in the M1917 and M1918 model helmets. All three helmets were similar in overall appearance except for their internal liner systems and chinstrap arrangements. This included an M1918 model with ear cut outs that provided for better hearing when in the trenches or when riding on horses. The helmet was also used in limited fashion by field telephone operators which gave it the nickname telephone operator helmet.
During the 1920s and 1930s, the German government began to redesign the World War I steel helmet in an effort to improve its look and function. The vast majority of World War I model steel helmets were destroyed under the terms of the Versailles Treaty. Some helmet remained in active service to meet small military needs. As a result of significant shortages, the M1917 was remanufactured and introduced as a specially patented transitional model for parade and general use. The remaining stocks of wartime manufactured M1916, M1917, and M1918 helmets were reconditioned for military and police use before the National Socialists came to power in 1933.
The World War II German combat helmet has a history which is tied to its World War I predecessor; the leather spike-topped helmets of the early years of the Great War. The familiar spiked-topped helmet was replaced in 1916 with a new steel helmet (stahlhelm) designated the M1916 for the year of its introduction. This steel helmet was developed in response to the French's distribution of the early Adrian model helmets which were in fact the first wartime steel helmets ever issued by a 20th Century army. The M16 helmet went through several modifications during World War I resulting in the M1917 and M1918 model helmets. All three helmets were similar in overall appearance except for their internal liner systems and chinstrap arrangements. This included an M1918 model with ear cut outs that provided for better hearing when in the trenches or when riding on horses. The helmet was also used in limited fashion by field telephone operators which gave it the nickname telephone operator helmet.
During the 1920s and 1930s, the German government began to redesign the World War I steel helmet in an effort to improve its look and function. The vast majority of World War I model steel helmets were destroyed under the terms of the Versailles Treaty. Some helmet remained in active service to meet small military needs. As a result of significant shortages, the M1917 was remanufactured and introduced as a specially patented transitional model for parade and general use. The remaining stocks of wartime manufactured M1916, M1917, and M1918 helmets were reconditioned for military and police use before the National Socialists came to power in 1933.
In 1935 the military approved a new combat stahlhelm known as the M1935. The M1935 was similar in basic appearance to the old M1917 but was lighter, more functional, and significantly updated. The M1935 helmet evolved several times throughout World War II based on wartime production needs. Each modification resulted in a slightly newer variation although each held the same basic design. At least three models were manufactured exclusively for combat; the M1935, M1940, and M1942. Each helmet was designated by its year of introduction1. All three versions of this helmet were worn throughout World War II.
This great example of a World War 2 German SS single decal helmet. Helmet retains approximately 90 percent of its original, smoothly applied dark green combat type finish. The SS runic decal is of ET manufacture (of which approximately 20 percent of EF produced helmets used) and is near excellent, checking in at 90 percent intact. The brown leather, size stamped 56 liner remains soft and supple. It is very clean and only displays minor wear at the lower edge. The liner band is a non-reinforced zinc example. The side of the shell is stamped EF 64 which indicates it was produced in a size 64 by Emaillierwerke A.G., Fulda. The rear of the skirt is stamped with the production lot number of 2707.
