Original German Pre-WWII M34 Square Dip First Pattern Aluminum Fire Protection Police Helmet with Double Decals - Size 58 - 59

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice all aluminum construction M34 "Square Dip" Third Reich helmet, outfitted for German WWII Fire protection police (Feuerschutzpolizei) issue, as they were issued very early during NSDAP rule in Germany. Almost all of these that we have seen have a steel shell, however this shell is aluminum. Features genuine double decals of of a Swas (hook cross) on the right, and a tilted national colors decal on the left. Comes with complete leather liner and chinstrap with all all four liner split pins still present along with their cork spacers.

The exterior of this German helmet retains about 90% of the original paint, showing small dents, chips, and scratches consistent with service. The Swas decal is retained at about 80% complete, and the National Colors is about 90% complete, both showing scrapes and chips from service. The shell has the three attachment points for an aluminum comb, however we see no evidence that one was ever installed. There is wear to the paint around the bottom rim, as is common, and there is also some deformation to the front brim. It has been pushed up a bit in the front, probably from being dropped, as the softer aluminum alloy bends easily.

The leather liner is in very good condition, with all nine fingers intact and the original top tie string still present. It has a leather top pad attached to two fiber support bands that attach to the liner band at the split pins. The leather is still light brown and supple, and there is a faint 58-59 size stamping on one of the front fingers. The chin strap is present and intact, showing wear as expected for a helmet of this age. The liner still retains the five leather "tabs" that would allow attachment of the rear skirt.

Overall a great opportunity to get great example of a very early WWII Aluminum Civic Fire Police helmet. Ready to display!

Prior to 1929 many fire-fighting units used leather helmets in various styles with most appearing similar to the leather spiked helmet (Pickelhaube) of World War I. These helmets bore a stamped metal crest on the front depicting the province or township to which the fire-fighting unit belonged.

In 1929 a light-weight plastic fiber (Vulkanfiber) helmet was prototyped for general use by all fire-fighting units. The first models were issued in 1932 and proved unworthy of further consideration. As a result a second prototype was explored using light-weight steel alloy known as "Edelstahl." During this time leather fire-fighting helmets were slowly replaced with a combination of surplus World War I model steel helmets and privately manufactured versions in the “Austrian” pattern shell. These early helmets were generally painted black although some were left in their original field-gray World War I color.

In 1934 the light-weight steel alloy prototype helmet was approved for general use by all fire-fighting units. This helmet is designated the “M1934” by modern collectors because of the year of its introduction. Several different versions of the M1934 helmet exist with many variations resulting from subtle differences in the air vents or visors. The M1934 helmet was painted semi-gloss black inside and out with two insignia placed one on each side.

Fire Protection Police helmets were manufactured with and without an aluminum metal comb. In some cases the metal comb was also painted black. As a result of a large surplus, M1934 helmets without combs were issued in 1940 for general wear by all fire-fighting personnel. The helmets used typical civilian style liner systems and chinstraps. The liners were made so that they could accommodate a removable black leather neck shield.