WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE PARATROOPER HELMET
The paratrooper helmet was different than any other helmet employed by the German armed
forces. The design was a copy from the M-35 helmet but the visor and earguards were
removed. These changes produced a more compact design, which is better suited for air
The sample featured here has been painted with a desert type finish. It is possible
that it was used in North Afrika or Greece campaigns. There are no traces of any
stickers ever being present.
The paratrooper helmet was normally outfitted with a sticker of the Luftwaffe eagle on the side.
In some cases a second sticker with a the national colors may have been applied to the opposite side.
The inside of the helmet has a leather liner with a total of twelve 1" holes for the purpose of
ventilation. The helmet was issued in the following sizes: 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, and 61.
Note the rivets on the helmet are not the standard type but rather a nut and bolt system. This was
a much stronger system that could better handle the rigors of jumping.
The chin strap was a much more robust design. It provided a far better grip and protection to the
chin area. There were four types of chin straps:
The last version was given to paratroopers that had retired from jump duties.
- Gray leather with chamois back
- Wider but thinner material
- Heavy leather. Riveted in place.
- Re-made "D" ring harness
Two marks are found on the inner side of the helmet. One of the reads ET71, which indicates
the manufacturer (ET) and The size of the helmet 71. Which
is a very large size and is often custom ordered. The second marking is a production
The liner of the German paratrooper helmet was completly different to those employed
in the other branches of the service. The physical demands placed on the soldiers and
equipment were much different.
The liner was better fitted to the helmet shell and the head of the soldier. The padding
was much thicker and firmer. An aluminum ring is riveted to the helnet and covers the
inside perimeter of the shell, this was a common piece among all helmets, and was used to
secure the liner to the helmet.
A foam pad was added between the aluminum ring and the leather liner. This was done to
provide protection between the head and the shell when jarring motions occur.
The following pictures show the rim, aluminum ring, padding (which still soft) and the leather
liner. The liner has been oiled to soften and maintain the leather. Part of the chin strap is also
The edge of the liner shows some black markings which may have been occured by the chin strap rubbing
against it (Below-left). The rivets are clearly visible. When taken apart there are two washer-like
Unfortunatelly, the markings on the liner are not shown very clearly here. The padding on top of
the helmet can be seen through the circles of the liner. This padding is very firm to the touch.
A couple of close-ups of the chin strap follow. The stiching pattern on the liner can be
seen clearly. A close view of the chin strap buckle is also included here.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII German paratrooper items. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points
that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWII German collectible worth?". A price
guide is included here to address this question. The value of the parattrooper items is reviewed
over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the German
artifacts in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military
antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
Some of the paratrooper helmets came with a cover. The purpose for this feature was to
change the color to one that better suits the battlefield. Some of the covers were
camouflaged, like the one featured here. Others were white to better blend with the
snow in cold weather conditions.
The covers also provided the opportunity to attach things, such as bush branches, to the
helmet to enhance its camouflage ability.
The following photos are different views of the helmet cover. Pictures of the front, side,
top and an inside view are provided. The camo pattern is known as "rain" type. Notice that
a wide strap of cloth is placed in a horizontal fashio. Two other straps cross the helmet
cover from top to bottom forming a cross shape in the crown area. These straps were
meant to provide extra support.
The following are comments provided by one of our visitors:
"I do not have a great level of expertise on German helmets, but there's
something funny about this one. It just doesn't 'feel' right from the
might be a good idea to have someone who is an expert take a
look. There are a
LOT of 'replica' (or fake as I prefer to put it) German
WW2 para helmets about."
This WWII German paratrooper item may be currently being
reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to
be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving.
The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the
manufacturing of this item. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine
the authenticity of the paratrooper items.
If you have an interest is seeing other paratrooper collectibles of the Third Reich, you can do so by going
to our WWII German paratrooper
identification guide. Where we cover insignia, field gear, head gear and many other items.