Black Luftwaffe M42 Helmet

[J Melvin]

Has anyone ever seen a factory finished black Luftwaffe helmet? I've heard that the black helmets existed for flak crews, but they seem to be few and far between.....

Answered my own question. I love archives!

[T. Steiner]

Has anyone ever seen a factory finished black Luftwaffe helmet? I've heard that the black helmets existed for flak crews, but they seem to be few and far between.....

Answered my own question. I love archives!

Hi Jack, a number of collectors believe the black helmets are not just from flak units, but from flak helpers, or more specifically HJ. I just recently learned this from Cody Grayland......Tom.

[merdock]

Hi,
Heres a original black M42.
Merdock

[Jim McCauley]

Greetings Jack,

Some helmets were issued in black. This seems to be true for other branches also. I have a Luftwaffe M40 in factory black. Also a field police M42 in factory black.

I have found no proof-positive explaination for the color variance.

Best regards.

Jim

[Perry Floyd]

I've seen several black Luftwaffe helmets since I've been collecting. All speculation as to why comes from collectors and is speculation of what's likely. No one knows for sure.

It is also my experiance these helmets don't fetch nearly what a regular Luft. helmet will, and more difficult to sell..

[Skullhead]

Black helmet

I have a black M35 (no decals) that has two different colors of green camo over it. The liner is vet marked that it was taken on d-day at St. Lo France. I was nervous about buying it at first, thinking it was "maybe" an SS, but when I got it in hand, there's no mistaking originality imo. Wish I could know what service it was used by....

[nick]

Hi

I have a black painted M42 1st pattern ss helmet. Will post pictures later.
Cheers
Nick

[Perry Floyd]

Nick yours is probably the dark slate SS/Polizei color which can be very dark depending on maker, making it look black.
Of note, one of the best camo helmets I've seen had highlights of black in it..

[nick]

Hi Perry,

I don't think it's that. This one is painted black. I have no doubt, the blackpaint is wartime done. how do you call it? I would say CAMO??
Maker is EF64. painted around the decal.
Condition not the best, but a nice helmet if you ask me. (planning on selling him)
Cheers
Nick

[nick]

Close-up decal.
Same wear on the black paint as on the decal

[nick]

backside

[nick]

other decal shot

[nick]

Liner

[nick]

Black paint on linerband.
Top of the shell (inside) has it's original color.

[nick]

Last one.