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Photo:
Textured Paint on and M1935 Field Repainted Helmet. |
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| Like other design
enhancements, the paint used on German helmets was modified as a
result of practical experience. These modifications were based on the
observations of men who used the helmets in field situations or
simulated combat maneuvers. Furthermore, the evolution in paint
finish and the ability to standardize color was complicated by several
factors. The fact that many helmets underwent factory or supply depot
refurbishment prior to being reissued meant that many helmets would
receive different paint schemes. Likewise, when paint was available
in the field many helmets were repainted by the men who wore them.
The advent of "reproduction" helmets that
have been repainted in an effort to depict an original wartime example
has complicated the subject of paint color and texture for some
collectors. Even so, the fact is there are some simple and easy
methods to determine whether or not the paint finish on a German
helmet is original or not. Numerous inquires have been generated
over the years with regards to the actual paint colors, manufacturing
codes, the mixture formulas, sources of original paint, and any number
of topics associated with the need to learn more about German helmet
paint.
Suffice to say that German helmet paint
changed greatly in both color and texture from the mid-1930's through
1943 and ultimately to the end of the Second World War. Early
paint colors of the Reichswehr Army were typically not of the same
color range found on World War I model helmets that never received a
camouflage pattern. Reichswehr colors were re-established in the
the 1920's and continuously used until the advent of the M1935 helmet.
Similar colors were applied to transitional model helmets used from
1934 through 1937. It is safe to say with certainty that no two
German helmets were ever identical in color. The variety is one
of the unique factors regarding World War II German military
equipment. |
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Overview
Each section of German-Helmets.com
is divided into separate Information Tracks that outline important
details, facts, and historical notes pertaining to steel helmets used by
the German Armed Forces during World War II.
Information Tracks are organized
by subject matter and their content is directly related to the service arm
or organization to which each topic is related. Topic areas that
bridge one subject matter to another are cross linked within each Information Track.
This Information Track provides historical
facts pertaining to paint used in German helmets from 1933-1945. Individual links related to this subject are
outlined below.
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Paint Main Topics
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Color Standardization
Paint History
Paint Finishes
RAL Codes |
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