The Origins of the Stahlhelm Rory Andrews.


The origins of the WWII German helmet began during the First World War, the pickelhaube helmet was in general issue to all troops but was proving to be a nuisance and out dated compared to the allied helmets such as the French Adrian (first wartime steel helmet issued to a modern army).

Iin 1916 the pickelhaube was replaced by the M16 helmet. As we can see it already has the making of the Stahlhelms that we know and love.

The distinctive curves and rolled edge found on the M35 and M40 pattern helmets.

Throughout the First World War the helmet design changed to create the M17 and M18, the number denoting its year of introduction.

The M18 had ear cut outs to allow for easier hearing and also can be seen being used by telephone and radio operators.
Panzer Fusilier testing a Panzerfaust


As we can see it already has the making of the Stahlhelms that we know and love.

The distinctive curves and rolled edge found on the M35 and M40 pattern helmets. Throughout the First World War the helmet design changed to create the M17 and M18, the number denoting its year of introduction.

The M18 had ear cut outs to allow for easier hearing and also can be seen being used by telephone and radio operators.

During the inter war years the German government modified the helmet again however they were very restricted by the Versailles treaty. This was an effort to improve the look and usability of the helmet. However due to these restrictions the M17 was reproduced to meet the need.

As we all know the National Socialists came to power in 1933 and threw out the Versailles treaty and began designing and producing their own helmets and in 1935 a new helmet was approved by the armed forces and this became known as the M35.
Panzerschreck 54


German soldier with Panzerfaust

This is the first of the wartime helmets but was then replaced with the M40. The changes between them are that the M35 has an inserted air vent while the M40 has a stamped vent. This cut construction time and used less material.

The M42, the last major German design to be used in large numbers during the war was designed once more to cut production time and reduce material. It had a stamped air vent and a non-rolled edge as seen on the M40 and M35.

The Germans also used helmets that were available to them such as this French helmet with the eagle decal clearly on the side. Italian and British helmets can also be seen in photos being used by occupying troops to allow standard issue helmets to be sent to the front.

They also took advantage of their stock of pre-war and First World War helmets.