M56 and M56/66 DDR Helmets

[rebeldevil89]

Hello!
I would like to share my M56, and M56/66 helmets. I have several M56/76 helmets, but they are the most common, and are easily identifiable by a lack of small protruding bolts on the outer surface of the helmet.

M56 on left, M56/66 on right, and M56 liner:

[rebeldevil89]

M56 markings

[rebeldevil89]

M56/66

[rebeldevil89]

Forgot to mention that my M56 is missing a small leather piece on the right side of the chinstrap, but looks like it was a common occurrence as in this photograph, also of an M56

[Ralph P]

Thanks for sharing some of your collection. For sure some collectors will be responding back to your thread. :-)

Have you read the three part article written by Rick Church (rev462 on this forum) about the history of these helmets?

[Mike G.]

Ralph,

Is it still possible to acquire the three part article that was authored by Rick?

I know speaking for myself personally, I was never able to acquire a copy and therefore have never had opportunity to read it. Would really like to.

???

[rebeldevil89]

I haven't read it either. Sounds interesting, is there a link to it? Thanks!

[rebeldevil89]

Another M56/66, this one is well used, named, and looks like it's had one or two different paint coats.

[rebeldevil89]

paint

[rebeldevil89]

name

[Ralph P]

Hello all - contact Dietrich Maerz from B&D Publishing at the following e-mail address dmaerz@ironcross1939.com. He or his wife will for sure assist you in getting the three part DDR helmet articles. Just so you know the articles came in three different issues.

I haven't read it either. Sounds interesting, is there a link to it? Thanks!

[Rev462]

The articles appeared in the following issues:

Part 1 - International Medal Collector, Vol. 3, No 3, Autumn 2012
Part 2 - International Medal Collector, Vol. 3, No. 4, February 2013
Part 3 - International Militaria Collector, Vol. 4, No. 1, June 2013 (the name of the magazine was changed)

The web address for B&D publishing is www.ironcross1939.com

[Mike G.]

Thanks Ralph and Rick. I'll be sure to follow up on this.
Looking very much forward to Rick's research and published articles.

[rebeldevil89]

Another M56, this one obtained from the Veteran who traded some US gear for this Helmet with an NVA soldier after the Berlin Wall fell. The Veteran said that the camo net was already attached when he got it from the NVA soldier.

[rebeldevil89]

liner