M1935 Helmets

In 1934 testing began on an improved steel combat helmet that bore a similar design to World War I models. The firm of Eisenhüttenwerke in Thale undertook preliminary testing and prototype design.  The Supreme Commander of the Army officially accepted the helmet on 25 June 1935.  The basic design was similar to the World War I helmet, although it was more compact, lighter in weight, and carried an updated look representative of the growing Wehrmacht.  The helmet was press formed in several stages using sheets of molybdenum steel.  Separately inserted hollow rivets replaced the large air vent lugs found on World War I helmets. The rim of the helmet continued to be rolled under for a smooth edge.  The M1935 received the updated M1931 liner system as well as a newly designed chinstrap.  The new chinstrap replaced the older carbine clip and roller-buckle styles found on earlier transitional helmets.  Beginning 1 July 1935 requisitions for the M1935 were placed through the Procurement Office of the Army and Navy located in Berlin.  The M1935 was the first helmet worn at the outbreak of World War II and many were used to the very end of the conflict. Nearly 1.4 million M1935 helmets were manufactured in the first two years following of the helmet’s introduction.  Heer M1935 helmets are characteristic of smooth field gray painted finishes bearing the silver Armed Forces Eagle decal (Wehrmachtsadler) and National tricolored shield.

Photos of a M1935 Army Helmet

Photos of a Field Repainted M1935 Helmet

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This Information Track provides historical facts pertaining to M1935 Heer Helmets from 1940-1945.  Individual links related to this subject are outlined below.