Luft m42 s/d camo?? Helmet-fresh outta the woods today

[ROBB]

There are quite a few arround ( check out the GHW ) Here is mine . Rob

[Milton]

Hello gents. Yes, I know that the civil firefighter (and police) helmets were painted black from the factory, but wasn't under the impression that this practice necessarily extended to the armed services as well. I suppose it's just as plausible as any other reason. For that matter, why flak troops elected to "camouflage" their helmets black (for night actions??) when they were standing next to a flak gun w/ a muzzle flash that probably extended 20 feet into the air baffles me as well. As for night movement, again, I don't really see how painting a helmet black that's already a dark blue-gray is going to make much of a difference either, but if that's what they did, then so be it. I know they do appear out of the woodwork w/ a bit too much regularity to simply be an anomoly. Thanks for all the comments thus far!

[Dom]

There was a nice black painted KM helmet that came with provenance from Norway a year or so ago. Its owner was on night patrols on an e boat if I remember correctly. So perhaps the night time connection is not so tenuous. Parade use might also explain some black painted helmets, Im thinking of the black painted tranny that was for sale on the estand recently.

[Milton]

Sure, I suppose there could be myriad reasons for why this was done. It does at least, appear to be generally accepted that it WAS done (for whatever reason). Thx for commenting!

[Rogerd]

Black luft-helmets were also worn by flemish collaboration units who served under German command as guards, flak-crews and NSKK units. There are pics of that. Also the fliegerbluse was dyed black (the first type, later it stayed blue).
This is my NSKK example:
http://hethuisvan4045.webs.com/apps/...toid=140903314

[Garry83]

Hello,

It is not uncommon that black camo is found on helmet used by the Lw or the Heer. Those helmets were used by FLAK units and further more smoke units as well. I have one black camo Heer, which was besutiful field repainted, also in my collection. You can find it on the GHW. I will also show it to you guys as soon as I become an Association member.

I think that this helmet shown here is period WWII done. No worries about it at all!

[Milton]

Thanks gents for your additional informative posts. It IS a nice example and I'm glad to have found it.