Helmet Description

Many different helmet types and styles were used by the German Protection Police (Schutzpolizei).  During the earlt years of transition and reorganization, many helmets took the form of black painted World War I model German and Austrian helmets.  After 1933 Prussian Protection Police adopted a thin white mobile swastika insignia along with a titled Prussian state decal.  The insignia underwent many changes over the course of a few short years.  As more helmets were acquired for police use, the standard helmet became the black painted M1934 light weight civic helmet in both curved and square dipped models.  Many of these helmets had different types of air vents and visors depending on the manufacturer.  Later Police units adopted combat style helmets for some duties, however the standard police helmet for civilian duties remained the various light weight patterns.  These were identical to those used by the German Fire Protection Police (Feuerschutzpolizei) which also fell under the direct authority of the Order Police (Ordnungspolizei).  While most helmets were painted black, medium gray painted versions have also been observed in both light weight helmets including the World War I Austrian models.  When combat model M1935, M1940, and M1942 helmets were issued, they generally were acquired in field gray smooth finishes.

The M1934 Civic Model Police Helmet (circa 1934)

The M1934 Civic Model Police Helmet (circa 1936)