Black Luftwaffe M40

[John Hodgin]

Has any reliable intel ever been discovered on why some Luftwaffe helmets were painted black? This example has considerable wear.

[John Hodgin]

Interior.

[Luftm40]

John, I think there are theories but nothing more. They definitely exist though. I have seen them described as "night camos"...which is patently ridiculous IMO. I think it more likely that they are from Reich Defense flak units or something similar...also, some green colors used by the Germans are so dark that they almost appear black...in fact, I think "Black Green" was an RLM color.

[Michael L]

Looks real.

[mech91]

Though the helmet in question does look original, there is no practical reason to paint a combat helmet black. What would a flak crew be hiding from with the bright muzzle flash coming from the guns?

[John Hodgin]

there is no practical reason to paint a combat helmet black.

Certainly agree, unless they were painted black to match HG Panzer uniforms.......

[Leroy]

A black painted LW helmet (except for the fire brigade units, which generally wore a "civilian" type black helmet with white stripe, with or without comb) is an anomaly. There is no legitimate combat reason for such a helmet, so it might be safer to believe that such helmets were meant for those performing certain particular technical or service-related duties.

In any case, just as "Luftm40" says, just another "theory"...........

[John Hodgin]

Although the photograph is not high enough quality for definitive conclusions, consider the crew of this HG SdKfz251. The helmet on the right is far darker than the helmet of the crew member standing in the center, and both helmets are in direct sun.

[Matt M]

Black Luft Helmet

John

Here is a black helmet that appears to have a Luft decal under the paint.
This helmet looks legit to me.
Recently sold on e-bay.

Matt



http://www.ebay.com/itm/WWII-GERMAN-...vip=true&rt=nc

Although the photograph is not high enough quality for definitive conclusions, consider the crew of this HG SdKfz251. The helmet on the right is far darker than the helmet of the crew member standing in the center, and both helmets are in direct sun.

[Schwerpunkt]

...also, some green colors used by the Germans are so dark that they almost appear black...in fact, I think "Black Green" was an RLM color.

I agree , the helmet posted by John looks to be the factory color. Some SE / Hkp LW have a very dark color. ET also. The difference between makers is very big.

[RonR]

John,

Out of a veteran's basement in '96.........



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[RonR]

23

[RonR]

-1-

[RonR]

78

[serge]

black luft helmet

hello, other black sample.This is an m35shell.I saved it in an old garage,