Light metal helmets vol II

In this chapter I will present more helmets from the Claude Chimène collection. 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 1944 "gladiator flat rim" Austrian manufactured

used by the Austrian Luftschutz Polizei

Austrian produced M44 gladiator called " flat rim ", black painted with large Austrian polizei decal on the front.

Used by " Luftschutz Polizei" in Austria until end of war.

The black liner is typical ofAustrian productions: It is held in place by brass rivets despite its late manufacture.

No maker marking in shell. (Claude Chimène Collection).

 

M34 helmet from the "Fliegerhorstfeuerwehr"

M34 helmet from the "Fliegerhorstfeuerwehr " .

The creation of the Luftwaffe raised the need to protect airfields and aircraft against fires. For this purpose, fire units were created in 1935 called "Fliegerhorstfeuerwehr".

From 1940/41, airfield firefighters were transferred to the Luftwaffe as full-fledged soldiers.

This helmet is a M34 with a tricolor and an Luftwaffe eagle. A white band is painted all around the helmet.

The liner ( size 56 ) is equiped with a " Y " chinstrap held by the four rivets. (Claude Chimène Collection)

A common Luftwaffe ET/Q/SE style decal

 

M34 helmet from the "Fliegerhorstfeuerwehr"

M34 helmet from the "Fliegerhorstfeuerwehr " .

The creation of the Luftwaffe raised the need to protect airfields and aircraft against fires. For this purpose, fire units were created in 1935 called "Fliegerhorstfeuerwehr".

From 1940/41, airfield firefighters were transferred to the Luftwaffe as full-fledged soldiers.

This helmet is a M34 with tricolor and Luftwaffe eagle. A white band is painted all around the helmet. The liner is equipped with a " Y " chinstrap of leather cords with four attachment points (rivets): this type of buckle was manufactured under US license in Germany until 1936. (Claude Chimène Collection)

 

Model 1934 used by the "Feuerwehr/Feuerschutzpolizei".

Model 1934 helmet painted black used by the "Feuerwehr/Feuerschutzpolizei".

We can see the first models of decals: on the left an inclined tricolor, on the right a large swastika (used until 1936). In 1936, new Polizei and party insignia should have replaced the old ones.

The liner (size 60) contains a piece of German newspaper dated November 25, 1939 placed against the ring.

Shell have DRP Thale markings. (Claude Chimène Collection)

 

Dutch model 34 helmet - Luftschutz.

Dutch model 34 reisued to the Luftschutz. The Dutch emblem was erased on the front, the helmet repainted in dark blue before affixing the LUFTSCHUTZ decal.

The liner is complete with its chinstrap: note the original green color inside. (Claude Chimène Collection)

 

One piece "Gladiator" of Czechoslovakian production

A green "one piece Gladiator" with shape reminiscent of a Czechoslovakian production. Besides, a Czech- sounding name is written on leather. No decal like end war production. (Claude Chimène Collection)

 

Russian SSH39 helmet used by the Luftschutz

Russian helmet SSH39 assigned to the Luftschutz after painting dark blue and affixing the decal. The helmet has a second-type liner and canvas chinstrap. The initial green color is visible inside. (Claude Chimène Collection)

 

Lightweight "droop bill" M34

Lightweight "droop bill" M34 whose vents are inspired by the 16 and 18 models of the first world war.

It was initially covered with a green colour and was repainted with the Luftschutz blue before receiving its decal

(model 1936) with bluish tints. The green paint in the domeseems to indicate that maybe started his life as an RLB helmet. The stamp on liner indicate an Austrian provenance. (Claude Chimène Collection)

 

M34 Liner