East German Helmets

[Mikhealc]

Von Stahlhelm zum Gefechtshelm

Here is the German version.

http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/...an=baer+&sts=t

[Joe]

This 1995 edition of The Military Advisor has a article by Susan E Henaghan on the East German Helmet.

[Mike G.]

RE: Baer Book and Military Advisor Edition

Hi Mike and Joe,

Mike, thanks for posting the sites for ordering the Baer Book (English and German Versions). Interesting that this book can vary in price by as much as $50.00. Kind of like buying gas.

Joe, does the article on East German Helmets in the 1995 copy of the Military Advisor to which you make reference encompass anything not previously covered here in this thread? If so, would you mind posting what may have been left out that is covered in that source? Thanks.

[Joe]

I just read the article again. Nothing that has'nt already been covered. It does have a good photo of the rivets on the b/11. Joe

[Mike G.]

RE: B/11 Rivets

Hi Joe,

That photo of the b/11 Rivets might be worth posting a scan of, if it is not too much of an imposition.

[Joe]

Here's the B/11's rivets.

[Mikhealc]

The R decal

Here is a helmet with a decal for the traffic police in the NVA. Mike Custer

[Mikhealc]

Another pic from Helmet book

Here is another pic of an East German wearing a polizei decal in a work uniform.

Mike Custer

[Mikhealc]

Wehrmacht test designs

There were actually three designs. II, IIb and the Thale helmet. They are all illustrated in the Baer book. mhc

[Mike G.]

RE: Thale Stahlhelm

There were actually three designs. II, IIb and the Thale helmet. They are all illustrated in the Baer book. mhc

Mike,

I thought there were originally four variants produced. The C, which was eliminated after trial tests, in lieu of the B and BII? And the A, which never made it out of the starting block, but was later given new life for a very brief time when redesignated the M54 and used by the DDR KVP?

I thought the B and BII were the Thale/Harz Stahlhelm. One of these two were eventually supposed to be designated the M45, but Hitler rejected both. The BII was selected over the B. And the BII eventually evolved into the M56. (?) Yes/No (?)

I don't as of yet have a Baer Book (Working very hard on getting one though), so perhaps you could scan and post clarification. I really want to be straight on this stuff relevant the EG Helmet, so any help would be more than appreciated. And probably would be of interest to a great many others out there as well.

Thanks - looking forward to learning more. (Knowledge is a good thing).

I thought I'd add a pic of the DDR M54 (Model A - Wehrmacht era) worn by the KVP, which it is my understanding, was developed by Eric KIESTEN. Ironcially it was he who eventually oversaw the production and transition of the BII into the DDR M56.

[Mike G.]

RE: Stahlhelm B and BII examples

Also, for clarification, here are examples of the B and the BII Stahlhelm. Perhaps somone has an example of the C variant, which when tested against the B and BII failed outright ballistically. It was therefore rejected. If someone does have an example of the C, please feel free to post an example, as it would be most welcomed.

[Frentebro]

Herrn, not sure if i missed something here - did any one post an interior shot of the BII?

Also i'm puzzled about Marzetti 32.110, latest edition. He calls this an M-56 but notice the
3 liner brackets at the rear quarter. The liner also is different from the standard M-56.

I'm considering making a display copy of a BII - would it be feasable to install a repo M-31 liner in a reworked M-56/76 shell?

[Mike G.]

To my knowledge there is no known photo (in a printed and published text) showing the inside/interior of a BII Stahlhelm.

I had previously hinted numerous times it would be nice if one of the members residing in Germany could make a train trip to Dresden and visit the NVA Musuem for the purpose of examining and photographing the one that is on display there. The museum is now closed for renovation and this now is no longer possible.

Regarding the making of a BII repro. I doubt this would be a worthwhile endeavor at present, until such time as better photographs are obtainable. It would be like making a model of a WWII Wehrmacht Panther Tank without knowing what the rear looked like.

The M-56 is by no means a near duplicate of the original BII Stahlhelm. The edges are flanged where on the BII they are rolled; and I suspect the metal alloy used is of different composition. I'm sure in addition to the liner and chinstrap, there are other differences as well.

Recently someone sold on German Ebay what obviously was a poor attempt at a repro of the BII Stahlhelm.

So I suppose it can be done, but not convincingly enough to suit my tastes.

[Bootmanager]

look to my M 56 helmet K.Vopo

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ad.php?t=85991

real Photo , from my Stahlhelm
( only 1 im moment)

[Ralph P]

Hey Bootmanager, thanks for the thread site of your Stahlhelm helmet. You will for sure be getting some fellow forum members replies about your helmet...