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Prior to
1929 many fire-fighting units used leather helmets in
various styles with most appearing similar to the
leather spiked helmet of World War I. These helmets bore
a stamped metal crest on the front depicting the
province or township to which the fire-fighting unit
belonged. In 1929 a light-weight plastic fiber (Vulkanfiber)
helmet was prototyped for general use by all
fire-fighting units.
The
first Vulkanfiber models were issued in 1932 and proved
unworthy of further consideration. As a result a second
prototype was explored using light-weight steel alloy.
This alloy was developed by the Thale plant in the Harz
mountains. During this time leather fire-fighting
helmets were slowly replaced with a combination of
surplus World War I model steel helmets and privately
manufactured versions in the “Austrian” pattern shell.
These early helmets were generally painted black
although some were left in their original field-gray
World War I color.
In 1934 the light-weight steel alloy prototype helmet
was approved for general use by the Prussian Interior
Ministry for all fire-fighting units.
Several different versions of the M1934 helmet exist
with many variations resulting from subtle differences
in the air vents or visors. The M1934 fire
protection helmet was
painted semi-gloss black inside and out with two
insignia placed one on each side. Fire Protection Police
helmets were manufactured with and without an aluminum
metal comb. In some cases the metal comb was also
painted black to match the color of the helmet.
As a result of a large surplus, M1934
helmets without combs were issued in 1940 for general
wear by all fire-fighting personnel. These helmets
are believed to have been issued primarily to Fire
Protection Police units sometimes designated as "Feuerlöschpolizei."
Helmets of this type were issued without the black or
bare aluminum metal comb on the crown. Once
removed, the holes where the comb attached were plugged
by flat metal spacers that were specifically designed
for the helmet. The helmets continued to use
typical civilian style liner systems and chinstraps. The
liners were made so that they could accommodate a
removable black leather neck shield.
Civic Square Dip M1934
without Comb (left side)
Civic Square Dip M1934
without Comb (right side) |
