The first steel helmets used by SS Special Detachment groups (SS-Verfügungstruppe or SS-VT) were surplus World War I models painted satin black.  These consisted of M1918 and Austrian type helmets that bore two distinct insignia.  The insignia took the form of a mobile swastika on the left side of the helmet and a circle with the double runic SS insignia on the right.  The majority of insignia applied to these early helmets were hand painted or done by stencil¹. By 1935 many SS-VT helmets had been repainted field-green and given new insignia bearing the first pattern SS runic shield and National tricolored decal.  The tricolored decal was used for only a short time mirroring regulations newly introduced for its use in the Wehrmacht.

¹ Little evidence has been presented to definitively conclude that decals of this kind were produced.  While it is possible that some helmets may have had decals, those examined are generally high quality fakes. Reproduction decals of this kind have been available for many years.

Overview

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This Information Track provides historical facts pertaining to steel helmets worn by the SS Special Detachment groups (SS-Verfügungstruppe) from 1934-1940.  Individual links related to this subject are outlined below.

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