Fiber Parade Helmets

Officers and Noncomissioned Officers (NCO's) in the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) were authorized to privately purchase light weight helmets made from a variety of materials.  Most helmets were made from aluminum or a lighter blend of steel, however some parade helmets were made from a plastic-like material known as "Vulkanfiber."  All parade helmets were produced by private firms and sold in retail outlets authorized to sell military items.  Such locations included uniform and insignia stores, private uniform tailors, and vendors who dealt in civilian and military hats.  Parade helmets were designed for ceremonial purposes and were not worn in combat.  Helmets were painted a variety of paint shades within the blue-gray color authorized for use on Luftwaffe helmets.  Parade helmets had a smooth paint finish and were generally adorned with standard Luftwaffe insignia.  Liner systems and chinstraps varied although most were of the type found in civilian model police helmets. A number of designs existed some of which are depicted below. 

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This Information Track provides historical facts pertaining to Fiber Parade and Ceremonial Helmets of the Luftwaffe from 1935-1945.  Individual links related to this subject are outlined below.