M1942 Helmets

The last wartime upgrade to the standard helmet took place on 6 July 1942 as part of an overall restructuring of Germany’s wartime production efforts.   As a measure of economy the rolled edge found on M1935 and M1940 helmets was discontinued.  On 1 August 1942 the first M1942 helmets were placed into production.  German Police units assigned to combat related duties were issued the M1942 helmet.  Police units operating close to combat zones were those whose primary role was to keep order among Wehrmacht troops as well as to guard prisoners and collect infiltrators and saboteurs.  Combat Police units worked closely with the Waffen-SS in all respects.  Combat Police helmets bore two insignia consisting of the German Police eagle on the left side and the National Socialist Party shield on the right.  This decal configuration continued to remain in effect until the end of the war.  Variations in both decal types can be found on M1942 helmets.  Helmet colors ranged from medium to dark field grey.  This was generally the same color as that used on German Armed Forces (Wehrmacht) helmets.  On occasion, a "slate gray" paint finish was also used.  This was identical to that found on some Armed-SS (Waffen-SS) helmets.  Virtually all helmets utilized a textured paint finish.  The texture ranged from very fine to extremely course.

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This Information Track provides historical facts pertaining to Police M1942 Combat Helmets from 1935-1945.  Individual links related to this subject are outlined below.