Panzer reinforced helmet / beret question….

[Marc verstraete]

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Hello all, I would like to have some info on this panzer reinforced beret / helmet. I know the classical black beret one used by the panzer troops in the beginning of the war but have never seen this one before but I must admit; I don’t have much literature on panzer troops equipments…<o></o>

Thank you,<o></o>

Marc

[Marc verstraete]

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[Marc verstraete]

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[Marc verstraete]

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[djpool]

Hi Marc,

Not exactly sure what info your looking for so I'll wing it.The Berets proved to be unpopular with the troops so they were discontinued.However the hard liners were later used in the manufacture of fur caps. This particular style is pretty rare. Hope this helps. Jim

[Marc verstraete]

Thank you Jim, <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o></o>

I was indeed not very clear on my question.<o></o>

Although I do have a black one in my collection who goes with a first model piped jacket, I know absolutely noting about these fur caps. <o></o>

Are these fur models scarcer than the black ones? Or just scarce as a fur hat type cap? Where they in use exclusively by the WH and panzer troops?<o></o>

Any pictures in use somewhere?<o></o>

Marc

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Marc, super item. I like it very much

Like Jim, my understanding of these is that the Army were ridding itself of the now redundant "liners" by covering them with fur for issue on the Russian front. One book desribes them as "Tanker's winter helmets". I don't think they were issued to vehicle crews at all? They would be totally useless within the confines of a tank. I don't know of photos of them in use. The problem would be trying to tell them apart from the other similar types of fur caps issued.

Cheers, Ade.

[Jeff V]

Quite an expensive item as well. Earlier in the year I saw one of these neat hats with a minty liner go for over $3300.00. In german army uniforms by Brian L. Davis there is a picture of a general wearing one.(supposedly, as I could not tell by the photo for sure) Great hat Marc!

respectfully,
jeff