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An unusual helmet that has not been fully
attributed to any single unit or purpose is one that exhibits both the
standard German Armed Forces eagle insignia (Wehrmachtsadler) in
combination with an Austro-Hungarian traditional shield. This
decal combination is found on Austrian pattern World War I helmets
which are painted the usual smooth finished early period field-gray
color common to transitional model helmets. Preliminary research
has indicated several possibilities for this helmet although all
remain speculative until additional information can be discovered.
Initial thoughts have held that the helmet was utilized by the Vienna
Guard Battalion for non-ceremonial duties at the time of (or just
following) the Anschluss (1938). However, Gardebataillon helmets
used for ceremonial purposes generally bore a large metal Austrian
eagle attached to the front of the helmet rather than a decal insignia
on the right side. In some cases, helmets with metal eagles also
bore the twin decal insignia of the German Army as confirmed by period
photographs.
Additional research indicates that the
Austrian shield decal is one that is better associated with the
traditional insignia of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the time of
World War I. This decal image has been positively identified as
one which is identical to the traditional Imperial eagle found on some
Austrian military flags used between 1868 and 1918. Further
confirmation of the continued use of the Imperial Austro-Hungarian
eagle (on behalf of the Austrian state) following World War I has been
established on a particular Third Reich era flag (Brian L. Davis
(1975), "Flags and Standards of the Third Reich 1933-1945", pp. 94 and
115-117). This flag was held by "Hoch- und Deutschmeister
Regiment Nr.4", a German regiment formed after the 1938 Anschluss.
This particular unit was entrusted with the responsibility of carrying
on the heritage of the Austrian regiment of the same name within the
Wehrmacht. Further information is needed to fully identify this
unique, one-of-a-kind helmet. Inquires are currently being made
at the Heeresgeschichtliches Museum in Vienna.
Austrian Guard Variant (Left
Side)
Austrian Guard Variant (Right
Side)
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