Light metal helmets vol I

I have been so fortunated to visit Claude Chimène in France November 2023 to study his collection of German light metal helmets. In this chapter (vol I) and the following chapters (vol II and vol III) I will present some of his helmets with different features. Among the helmets are pre 1934 "Himmler type", model 1934, different gladiator helmet types (M38 and M44) and M35, M40 and M42 beaded type helmets. All of them used by para-military organisations.

Model 1934 light weight metal helmet used by the ReichLuftschutzBund

German model 1934 helmet of light green color. The curved vents ( 7 holes orientation "diamond" ) are pressed in the steel: They are commonly called "salt and pepper" type of vent. No manufacturer markings are visible.

The RLB decal (ReichLuftschutzBund) has been in use since 1933 before being replaced by the LUFTSCHUTZ

large-wing insignia in 1936.

Its leather liner (early model) size 54 with little RLB stamp, is held to the shell by three rivets. A felt pad is placed

at the front, presumably to improve comfort.

The chinstrap, rings sewn to the liner, adorned with a day badge, has markings "US patent" on its buckle

(the Germans used this material until 1936). (Claude Chimène Collection).

Model pre 1934 popular called "Himmler type" light weight metal helmet used by Luftschutz (dark blue paint)

This dark blue helmet is similar to the called "Himmler style" type of helmet made before the M34.

One mesh vent on both sides.

There are three rivets fastening the liner and two for the chinstrap rings : No manufacter markings on shell.

The Luftschutz decal, affixed on the front, appeared in 1936 after the replacement of the RLB by this new organization created by Hermann Göring. (Claude Chimène Collection).

Model pre 1934 popular called "Himmler type" light weight metal

helmet used by the ReichLuftschutzBund

This dark green helmet is type of light weight metal helmet called "Himmler style" type made before the common type M34 helmet.

A mesh vent is present on each side. There are three rivets fastening the liner and two for the chinstrap rings.

The leather liner ( 3 pads ) is inspired by those of the WW1 and and presents the name of its user. No manufacter markings on shell.

The RLB decal in front (ReichLuftschutzBund) has been in use since 1933 before being replaced by the LUFTSCHUTZ large-wing insignia in 1936. A day badge is on the chinstrap. (Claude Chimène Collection).

Model 1934 "square dip" used by the RLB (dark green paint)

A scarce model 1934 "square dip" dark green painted used by the RLB.

Two vents (7 holes "diamant" ) are on each side. There are four rivets holding the liner (9 tabs). The chinstrap is attached to the liner by metal rings riveted on the leather. No manufacter markings on shell.

The RLB decal in front (ReichLuftschutzBund) has been in use since 1933 before being replaced by the LUFTSCHUTZ large-wing insignia in 1936. (Claude Chimène Collection).

Model 1934 "square dip" used by Luftschutz (dark blue paint)

A scarce model 1934 "square dip" dark blue painted used by the Luftschutz.

Two pressed vents on each side. A day badge is on the chinstrap riveted to the liner ring.

The liner is held by 4 rivets (size 56) and has three pads.

In front is the Luftschutz decal used from 1936 and beyond. (Claude Chimène Collection).

Model 1934 "square dip" used by Feuerschutzpolizei and

Luftschutz Austrian Polizei

M34 helmet - Austrian manufacter.
Helmet M34 "square dip" black painted with large Austrian polizei decal on left side and large swastika on right.
Used by "Feuerschutzpolizei" and "Luftschutz Polizei" in Austria until end of war. Aluminium comb was removed

(directives to this effect were issued in 1940). The black liner is typical of Austrian productions, note the large chinstrap buckle. (Claude Chimène Collection).

Model 1934 "square dip" used by the Feuerwehr/Feuerschutzpolizei (black painted)

Helmet Model 1934 painted in black used by "Feuerwehr/Feuerschutzpolizei"

We can see early decals : on left inclined tricolor, on right large swastika (used until 1936).

In 1936, a set of new decals (Polizei and party shield insignia) replaced the old ones. In the case of this helmet, the user, instead of taking off the early ones, simply covered them with the new ones. This gives this helmet a very special character never before encountered.

The liner ( size 57 ) have aD.R.G.M. stample, the shell D.R.P. Thale maker markings. (Claude Chimène Collection).

The right side of the helmet shows the party shield used the Polizei and early M35 SS helmets

Beneath the party shield decal there is an early Polizei decal in form of swastika.

VZ32 Czechoslovak helmet reused by the Luftschutz

VZ32 Czechoslovak helmet reused within the Luftschutz. This one, before receiving the typical decal, was repainted on the outside in dark blue.

The interior contains the five liner pads and the classic chinstrap : It has remained its original colour.

It sometimes happened that the decal was incorrectly positioned on these helmets then finding themselves, once worn on the side, or back forward. This can be detected at the position ofthe rivets : This is the case of this one

which has the rear central rivet at the front. (Claude Chimène Collection).

VZ32 Czechoslovak helmet reused by the Heer

VZ32 Czechoslovak helmet reused by the Heer. This one, before receiving the typical decal on left side, was repainted on the outside in dark green.

The interior contains the five liner pads and the classic chinstrap : It has remained its original colour.

The decal is a Methner & Bürger early type Heer decal. (Claude Chimène Collection).

Methner & Bürger Heer decal (early type)

VZ32 Czechoslovak helmet reused by the Luftschutz

VZ32 Czechoslovak helmet reused within the Luftschutz. This one, before receiving the typical decal,

was repainted on the outside in dark blue.

The interior contains the five liner pads and the classic chinstrap : It has remained its original colour.

On the back a large Roman numeral II painted in red, probably recognition of function or membership in a unit.

VZ32 Czechoslovak helmet reused by the Polizei

In 1939 Germany annexed Czechoslovakia, many military equipment were captured.

This VZ32 Czechoslovak helmet is an good example: it wears the Polizei and Nazi Party insignia.

The interior is made of five leather pads joined by a cord. We note the typical chinstrap. These helmets

were also used by the Luftschutz and the Heer. (Claude Chimène Collection).