helmet rivets

[Paul G]

Hello everyone,
Here is an obscure question about helmet rivets. I am studying a Norweigan reissued German helmet. I know that Norway did all kinds of strange things when they rebuilt / reissued German helmets after the war. I have seen many Norweigan rebuilds that used original german split rivets to re-install the liners, always without the washers. I have seen steel and brass rivets used. My question is: Does anyone know if Norway made their own rivets for reassembling the German helmets? I have a Norweigan reissue helmet that appears to have brass rivets that were not used before (Not rebent) , in other words new at the time of rebuild. They have no makers marks. Could these be original unused early war rivets? Your expertise is appreciated!

PG-

[Jim McCauley]

Indeed, Norway also used Norwegian manufactured brass rivets.

One way to tell if they are Norwegian or early German brass rivets is that German rivets are coated. (I think with zinc.) Norwegian rivets are just brass.

Best regards.

Jim

[Paul G]

Thanks for your reply Jim I thought that was the case, but wanted to know for sure.

PG-

[Matt M]

Jim

I agree Norway did produce their own brass rivets.

The early German brass rivets were not zinc coated.

Matt

[Jim McCauley]

Jim

I agree Norway did produce their own brass rivets.

The early German brass rivets were not zinc coated.

Matt

Hello Matt,

My mistake.

I have two or three German lids with the brass rivets. They have some kind of coating between the brass and the paint. I read, or was told, it was zinc.

Maybe it's some kind of primer.

Best regards.

Jim

Re-checked my information last night.

From the Model 35 helmet description found in Luftwaffe Directive 422.

a) The three-part rivet and washer are manufactured from brass sheeting and are then zinc-coated by galvanization.

The History of the German Steel Helmet, 1916-1945 by Ludwig Baer page 117.