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German-Helmets.com - The Online Reference Guide to World War II German Helmets 1933-1945 |
| Schutzstaffeln: Waffen-SS (Armed-SS) Insignia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Helmets worn by members of the Armed-SS (Waffen-SS) were initially given two insignia. These included the standard runic SS shield and the National Socialist Party decal. The first of these decals was slightly different than an updated version which also appeared in the late 1930’s. As a result, many modern collectors have come to identify early made SS decals as “first pattern” with the later model decals referred to as “second pattern”. In truth, both patterns of SS runic shield were used on M1935, M1940, and M1942 helmets with virtually all decals being discontinued from factory application in 1943. Waffen-SS helmet decals were approved for use by Heinrich Himmler on 12 August 1935. The first decals to be printed were ordered from the lithographic firm of C.A. Pocher located in Nürnberg, Germany1. The runic decal consisted of a metallic silver shield with a thin black border and black runes. The runic emblem (or Siegrune) was a double lighting bolt representing the concept of victory2. The National Socialist Party decal was made in the same general shape and consisted of a black swastika centered in a white circle sitting on a orange-red shield. This decal also utilized a thin black line around the edges and was printed to match the same basic characteristics of the runic shield. Decals of this kind were generally applied in matching sets, however some variations in application can be found on original helmets3. Notes: 1 Other firms were also conTracked to produce SS decals which accounts for several different variations within the same basic design. A minimum of six different runic pattern shields exist of which all exhibit only minor variations in graphic design. 2 The first runic emblem was drawn in 1932 by a member of the Algemeine-SS. 3 The original design for the matching SS decals was accomplished in 1935 by Professor Hans Hass of Berlin, Germany. At the time, the cost per decal was a mere two Pfennigs (about one cent in US currency).
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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. Information Tracks are organized by subject matter and their content is directly related to the service arm or organization to which each topic is related. Topic areas that bridge one subject matter to another are cross linked within each Information Track. This Information Track provides historical facts pertaining to steel helmets worn by the Waffen-SS (Armed-SS) from 1934-1945. Individual links related to this subject are outlined below.
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| German-Helmets.com - The Online Reference Guide to World War II German Helmets 1933-1945 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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