M42 Heer Helmet Question

**lach470** · 12-12-2011, 01:03 PM

I think you nailed it Adam: the German helmet is definitely one of WWII's iconic images!! I concur with what has been said: I would pay a little more and get a nice looking helmet. There's something about the smell of the helmet, sticking your face inside the helmet....and even trying it on!
You'll appreciate having a complete helmet. Chinstraps are not such a big deal and can always be added later...but I think you'll appreciate finding one with a liner. Good luck.....I think if you take your time - you'll find what you're looking for!
Have fun!
Rob

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 12-12-2011 01:03 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Glenn66** · 12-12-2011, 01:04 PM

Curious, I always prefer the M35, seeing as that was the helmet which saw the kickoff to the whole schmozzle.

**VolksJager** · 12-12-2011, 02:37 PM

I agree with you Glenn, my personal favorite shape is the M35. Beautiful lines and nicely made, just a great finish.

**ObKrieger** · 12-12-2011, 02:57 PM

One of the things that I love about the Stahlhelm is the fact that it changed throughout the course of the war in a manner that represented the progression of Germany's sentiments.

The M35- Shiny, proud, and forthcoming. The national shield and strong, flat finishes of pea and apple green, as well as the Luftwaffe's blue, matched Germany's approach to the war.

The M40- Roughed-up, simpler, and more combat-ready. The glossy shine and national shield were gone, but the pride was still there in the form of an adler.

The M42- No pride here. The decals were eventually done away with. The stahlhelm became a weary combat veteran at this point and almost everything that was essentially 'German' was gone, leaving a symbolic carcass of a helmet that only got a glimpse of its older brothers' glory.

So, to make it short, there really isn't a single representative German helmet I suppose. It all depends on what part of German history you wish to portray- Prideful early national socialism, or the grisly remains of what Germany had become in 1945. Get an M40 or an early M42 if you want a little of both.