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H220. Army Overseas Cap. Nice looking Army Overseas Cap being size marked "58" and having some mothing showing honest use. See pictures...$ 395.00 (Pictures)
H244. Luftwaffe Officer's Overseas Cap. Nice looking Luftwaffe Officer's Overseas Cap, showing wear to the bullion eagle which is hand stitched having some markings inside, "75, 1943". This piece has some mothing and measures about 54cm. See pictures...$ 450.00 (Pictures)
H245. Luftwaffe Flight Other Ranks Visor Cap Marked to Flight Technical School at Jüterbog. Good looking Luftwaffe Flak Other Ranks Visor Cap, Well-Marked to the maker and date. This example has some light mothing here and there but is in fine collectible condition. See pictures...$ 695.00 (Pictures)
H249. Army Signals EM/NCO's Visor Cap, Unit-Marked. This Army Signals EM/NCO's Visor Cap does show mothing in areas but is in very good condition. The cap is marked to the unit inside the leather band. See pictures...$ 650.00 (Pictures)
H275. World War One German Helmet Re-Issued in WW2. Nice example having a WW2 style liner installed and era repainted in Army/Waffen-SS dark green for Third Reich use. The liner is in rough shape but mostly there on this one. The paint rates at over 90 percent. See pictures...$ 450.00 (Pictures)
H278. World War One Model M1917 German Camo Helmet. Good looking example having one of the three pads of the liner remaining but loose. The shell is marked, "E.T. 64" and has the name, "Pagels" neatly inked on the interior. See pictures...$ 895.00 (Pictures) SOLD
H279. World War One Model M1917 German Camo Helmet with Battle Damage. This example has what appears to be a bullet hole and a dent at the top. The camo scheme looks great. The three pads of the liner are lost to time. The shell is marked, "W58". A great looking piece. See pictures...$ 895.00 (Pictures) SOLD
H282cc. World War One Model M1916 German Helmet. This example has the three liner pads present but they have some rotting to the leather at the edges. The helmet is finished in a green paint that has been period touched up to give it a two-tone look. The shell is marked, "E.F. 62". See pictures...$ 600.00 (Pictures)
H284. World War One Model M1917 German Camo Helmet. Good looking example having all three liner pads present but one is loose. The shell is marked, "W 66.". An attractive helmet with a camouflage scheme. See pictures...$ 895.00 (Pictures)
H302cj. Luftwaffe EM/NCO's Overseas Cap. Nice looking example showing honest use. Some mothing. See pictures...$ 350.00 (Pictures) NEW
H308. Luftwaffe Flight Other Ranks Visor Cap, Unit-Marked. Good looking Luftwaffe Flak Other Ranks Visor Cap. When we obtained this the visor was loose but we had it re-sewn and it displays well. See pictures...$ 395.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H323. Luftwaffe EM/NCO's Overseas Cap. Very light markings inside that are hard to make out. About a size 60. See pictures...$ 295.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H324. Luftwaffe EM/NCO's Overseas Cap. About a size 58. See pictures...$ 295.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
H325. Luftwaffe EM/NCO's Overseas Cap. Size 58, light maker mark. See pictures...$ 295.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H328. Luftwaffe EM/NCO's Overseas Cap. About a size 57. One eagle wing a bit loose. See pictures...$ 295.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H330. Sheet of Two Green Luftwaffe Helmet Decals. Rare Sheet of Two Green Luftwaffe Helmet Decals being second pattern eagles as seen on helmets with these being produced in green as opposed to the usual white with this lot being a vet-estate pickup. See pictures...$ 400.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H331. Sheet of Two Green Luftwaffe Helmet Decals. Rare Sheet of Two Green Luftwaffe Helmet Decals being second pattern eagles as seen on helmets with these being produced in green as opposed to the usual white with this lot being a vet-estate pickup. See pictures...$ 400.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H332. Sheet of Two Green Luftwaffe Helmet Decals. Rare Sheet of Two Green Luftwaffe Helmet Decals being second pattern eagles as seen on helmets with these being produced in green as opposed to the usual white with this lot being a vet-estate pickup. See pictures...$ 400.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H333. Luftwaffe Panzer or Mechanics EM/NCO's Overseas Cap. Nice example showing use. About a size 55 1/2. This type was used by both LW base mechanics and LW Panzer crews. See pictures...$ 500.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H337. Officers Visor Cap Chin Chord. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H338. Officers Visor Cap Chin Chord. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H339. Officers Visor Cap Chin Chord. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H342. Officers Visor Cap Chin Chord. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H343. Officers Visor Cap Chin Chord. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H344. Officers Visor Cap Chin Chord. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H345. Officers Visor Cap Chin Chord. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H346. Officers Visor Cap Chin Chord. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H348. Officers Visor Cap Chin Chord. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H349. Officers Visor Cap Chin Chord. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H350. Luftwaffe GI Soldier Art M40 Helmet. Nice example where the GI has painted a swastika on the top and a shield on one side. The original Luftwaffe decal remains. No liner. See pictures...$ 500.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
H351. Officers Visor Cap Chin Chord. Appears removed from cap. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
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The Evolution of the German Steel Helmet
The iconic Stahlhelm is arguably the most recognizable piece of German military equipment from both World Wars. Its design originated in the trenches of the First World War, where the need for better head protection led to the introduction of the M1916. This helmet, with its distinctive coal-scuttle shape and prominent visor, offered superior coverage to contemporary designs. The improved M1917 and M1918 variants refined the liner system and manufacturing process, and many of these early helmets remained in service well into the Second World War, often refurbished and repainted for continued use.
By the 1930s, the M1935 helmet became the standard for the newly rearmed Wehrmacht. It was lighter, more streamlined, and featured a redesigned liner that greatly improved comfort and safety. Subsequent models, the M1940 and M1942, simplified construction to speed up wartime production, with the M1942 having a flared rim and no rolled edge. Collectors prize these helmets for their historical significance and the myriad of camouflage schemes, decals, and branch insignia that adorn them.
Visor Caps and Overseas Caps: Branch Distinction
Beyond the combat helmet, German forces wore a variety of soft headgear that signified branch, rank, and unit. The visor cap (Schirmmütze) was worn by officers and senior NCOs, featuring a stiffened crown, visor, and chin cords in metallic braid or leather. The color of the piping and the cap band indicated the branch of service—white for infantry, red for artillery, yellow for cavalry, and so forth. Visor caps often bear unit markings inside the sweatband, offering invaluable provenance for collectors.
The overseas cap (Feldmütze or Fliegermütze for Luftwaffe) was a foldable, wedge-shaped cap worn by all ranks in garrison and field situations. It was practical, easily stowed, and became ubiquitous in photographs of the era. Branch of service was indicated by a colored soutache (for enlisted men until 1942) and an eagle-and-cockade insignia on the front. Luftwaffe overseas caps typically featured a flying eagle emblem, while Heer caps used a smaller national eagle and a cockade.
Helmet Decals: The Mark of the Branch
One of the most fascinating aspects of German helmet collecting is the study of decals. From 1935 to 1943, combat helmets bore branch-specific decals on the left and right sides. The Heer (Army) used a silver eagle clutching a swastika on a black shield, while the Luftwaffe displayed a flying eagle. The Kriegsmarine had a gold eagle, and the SS used distinctive runic shields. In 1940, the national colors decal (black-white-red) was ordered removed, and by 1943, all decals were officially discontinued to aid camouflage, though many helmets retained them until the war's end.
Original decals are highly sought after, and their condition greatly affects a helmet's value. The green Luftwaffe decals offered on this page are a rare variant, intended for tropical or late-war helmets where the standard white decal would have been too conspicuous. Such items are often found in small lots from veteran estates, making them exceptional additions to any collection.
Assessing Condition and Authenticity
When evaluating a German helmet or cap, condition is paramount. For helmets, key factors include the integrity of the liner, the presence of original paint and decals, and any battle damage or period modifications. A liner that is complete but shows honest wear is more desirable than a replaced or heavily repaired one. Paint should be examined for age and consistency—period repaints are acceptable if done during the war, but postwar overpaints diminish value.
For caps, mothing (small holes from insect damage) is common due to wool construction, but excessive mothing or repairs can affect price. Size markings, maker stamps, and unit markings add to authenticity and desirability. Always look for period construction techniques: hand-stitched insignia, leather sweatbands, and correct interior fabric. Be wary of modern reproductions that may look convincing but lack the fine details of originals.
Collecting German Headgear Today
The market for German militaria remains robust, driven by collectors who appreciate the history and craftsmanship of these items. Helmets and caps are among the most collected categories, with rarer variants—such as camouflage helmets, SS decals, or officer caps with bullion insignia—commanding premium prices. Provenance, such as a veteran's name or unit, can further enhance value.
For new collectors, it is crucial to buy from reputable dealers who guarantee authenticity. Original items often show signs of use: scuffs, fading, and minor wear are expected. If a piece looks too pristine, it may be a reproduction or heavily restored. Study reference books, attend militaria shows, and consult with experienced collectors to sharpen your eye. A well-chosen piece of headgear is not just a collectible; it is a tangible link to the soldiers who once wore it.