By 1936 the SS Special Detachment groups (SS-Verfügungstruppe or SS-VT) had converted most of their helmets to comply with appropriate military regulations.  As a combat ready unit, this necessitated a field-gray paint finish for all SS-VT helmets. The dual insignia had now been standardized through the use of mass produced decals authorized by Heinrich Himmler on 12 August 1935.  Insignia included the first pattern runic shield and matching Nazi Party decal.  By 1937a revised version of the runic shield had been introduced in limited numbers.  This version has been designated the "second model" runic shield by today's modern collectors.  Helmets converted to SS-VT use included the contact produced RZM helmet and the typical World War I Austrian and German varieties.  The newly developed M1935 combat helmet began to appear in small numbers during 1937.  The SS initially received fewer M1935 helmets due to a combination of supply problems and animosity between Wehrmacht Generals and Hitler's SS commanders.  These conflicts produced a number of delays.  Many of these constraints would not be fully worked out until 1939.

Overview

Each section of German-Helmets.com is divided into separate Information Tracks that outline important details, facts, and historical notes pertaining to steel helmets used by the German Armed Forces during World War II.  

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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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