Helmet Description

Members of the Rural Police (Gendarmerie) utilized the same type of helmets used by their parent organization the Order Police (Ordnungspolizei-ORPO).  These helmets consisted of the standard variety of light weight civic model M1934 helmets with both curved and straight "dips" on the front flange or skirt.  Most Rural Police helmets bore two decals of the same type used on all police helmets.  These decals had a silver eagle and wreath superimposed on a black shield (sometimes with border and sometimes without) on the left side of the helmet.  On the right side of the helmet was the red, white, and black National Socialist Party decal bearing the swastika.  Helmets worn by Ordnungspolizei were typically painted a smooth satin finish black.  However, it appears that some Rural Police were issued helmets painted light and medium field gray colors.  In some cases these field gray painted helmets had no decals whatsoever.  This aspect is a defining feature of police helmets and can be an aid in helping to accurately identify a given shell as being one that was used by the Gendarmerie.

The M1934 Civic Light Weight Model Rural Police Helmet