The Stahlhelm (English: Steel helmet) is a specific type of German military headgear made of steel, which is primarily intended to provide protection against fragments of grenades. The term Stahlhelm refers both to a generic steel helmet, and more specifically to the distinctive (and iconic) German military design.

The armies of major European powers introduced helmets of this type during World War I. The German Army began to replace the traditional boiled leather Pickelhaube (English: Pimple hood) with the Stahlhelm in 1916. The Stahlhelm, with its distinctive “coal scuttle” shape, was instantly recognizable and became a common element of propaganda on both sides, just like the Pickelhaube before it. The name was also used by Der Stahlhelm, a German first World War ex-servicemen’s organization existing from 1918 to 1935. After World War II, the German Bundeswehr (English: Federal Armed Forces) continued to call their standard helmet Stahlhelm, but the design was based on the American M1 helmet. The Bundesgrenzschutz (English: Federal border service), however, continued to use the original German design, until either troop switched to the new M92 Aramid helmet.

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WW2 German Luftschutz Helmet

£425.00
A late period Second World War Luftschutz helmet.