SOLD

Description

This M18 helmet was commercially produced in the 1930s and is often known as a droop bill M18 or Himmler helmet. The helmet is a clone of the old Imperial M18, except the chinstrap bales are riveted into the helmet shell. Helmets like these were procured for use by the SS for parades and sentry duty and were worn into 1940.

The helmet shell here is an original example. It was stripped of the post war paint then repainted with a coat of smooth apple green paint. As with original example, the black parade painted was applied over the factory finish. Both pre-war 1930 Poucher SS decal were applied with a period resin.

The helmet’s chinstrap and liner and unique and were not the same pattern worn during WWI. The Liner pads are slightly larger than the Great War version and have reenforced grommets. The chinstrap is similar to the M27 that the Reichswehr was using but has a few key differences. Both the liner and chinstrap were carefully reproduced from surviving original examples.

The helmet has been distressed to look and feel original. The finish shows typical patina from years of polishing. There are chips and scuff from being dropped on cobble stones or being dinged with a Gew98. Overall, the sort of wear and tear you might see on an original non-combat helmet that was picked up by a vet for a souvenir.

Original examples are exceptionally rare and can sell for 10k. This is truly the next best thing for a fraction of the coat of an original.