WWII German Luftwaffe Helmet M-1942 - This is a German military helmet. As issued during World War Two. Ths is a single decal model where about 80% of the decal remains intact. The paint is field gray and it is original. No major dents to the shell. The liner is present and original. Some of the fingers pointing to the crown are broken. It is interesting to notice that the stamp from the port of entry into the United States is present on one side. This stamp is rectangular in shape and indicates it was receieved in St Louis. The modern German helmet saw its birth during World War One. Its design was so advanced for the time that the German government saw it fit for the same basic design to be re-employed during World War Two. The German helmet of World Wat Two has become one of the most recognizable silhouttes of war. The helmetss of the Third Reich came in a variety of designs. There were approximatelly 9 different types developed. Even the non-military helmets often displayed the swastika as a means to show support of the Nazi party. The helmet was constructed of a combination of metal and leather. WANT TO LEARN MORE? FAQ's German helmet anatomy Rivets, materials and other German helmet markings Identifying German replica helmets Ready to buy a German helmet The German helmet has a very interesting history. The helmets covered here have been produced and used in two world wars. The same basic shape has been the inspiration for some modern helmets. When attempting to identify the type of helmet you have It is important to keep in mind that the components of a helmet (edge, vent rivets, liner. etc.) may be identical from one helmet to another. The reason why is because during WWII the some of the fittings were changed in the various helmets depensing on the year of production. Small changes can be the only difference between one type of helmet vs another. This is a factor why Understanding the different components that make up the German helmet is the first step in figuring out the type of headgear you have. That is the reason why we have created the Understanding the German Helmet section as a means to provide a novice with the basic knowledge to start the path of determining the questions everyone has; who made the helmet, how old it is nad how much it is worth. The serial number, manufacturer and size of the helmet are stamped on the side of the shell. The chin strap is missing. WE BUY German Helmets and Eagles - All types of German headgear and accessories. Whether it is for military use or a civilian application. The process gets started by you sending us an Email . We will respond to your inquiry normally within 24 hours and in many cases much faster. We can tell you what you have, what it is worth and how much we can pay you. One item or an entire collection - Email Us .

By the Numbers
Trying to determine the number of helmets that were produced can be a tricky proposition. German helmet factories maintained records of the exact number of helmets that were produced and issued to soldiers and civilian forces during the war. However, some of these records may have been lost or simply never found after the war. Thanks to the record keeping maintained by the US Armed Forces, it is possible to get an estimate of how many helmets were actually shipped home.

There were millions of German Helmets that were brought back home as souvenirs from the war. The exact number may be impossible to determine brcause there are variables affecting the numbers.

For example, some soldiers took souvenirs and shipped them home circumbenting the established process. Some of the helmets were brought back inside duffle bags without anyone knowing except for the soldier who captured the helmet. This fact would clearly affect the final count.

The number also does not account for helmets that were taken by Allied soldiers from other countries.

Collecting German helmets
Collecting German helmets is a field that has been growing since the days the GI's rummaged around Europe bringing back military souvenirs. German soldiers carried many of these helmets when they went to battle. Once the soldier was killed or captured, the Americans would take the headgear as war trophies. Eventually all these pieces came back to the United States where military history enthusiasts began to collect them.

In trying to determine if you should collect German helmets there are certain factors that should be considered. The adjacent table outlines some of the advantages and disadvantages of collecting the German helmets.

WWII German helmets are currently being reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this headgear. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.