Original German WWII M34 Square Dip Luftwaffe Fire Brigade Crash Crew Helmet with Double Decals

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice patinated genuine steel construction M34 "Square Dip" Third Reich helmet, outfitted for German WWII Luftwaffe Fire Brigade Crash Crew issue. Crashes were never the desired outcome of a flight, but in WWII they were simply a reality. Aviation was still relatively new, and crashes on takeoff, landing, or otherwise were not uncommon. Every airstrip had to have fire crew on hand to quickly take care of fires, especially if they endangered other planes or fuel supplies. They wouldn't wait for the local brigades to arrive, so they had their own.

This service used helmet features genuine double decals of of the "National Colors" on the right, and a white Luftwaffe eagle on the left. Comes with the leather liner with all split pins present, though the liner itself is damaged, with the leather portion having torn away from the black fiber band over more than half of the circumference. The four point leather chin strap is present, definitely a rarity, though it does show some small tears and is in delicate condition. The liner still retains three of the leather "tabs" that would allow attachment of the rear skirt, with two missing.

The exterior of this German helmet has a lovely service worn patina. showing much of the original black paint, with wear consistent with long service. There is overall scuffing and subsequent oxidation, and damage to the paint. There are also a few dents, and the painted white band around around the bottom for visibility is stained flaking away in areas. The National Colors decal is about 90% complete, and the white Luftwaffe Eagle is about 75%, with both showing a lovely patina of age from oxidation and age toning.

This helmet also does have the three holes on the top for mounting of a comb, but they are plugged, definitely showing it is a fire helmet. We cannot see any evidence that a come was ever installed. There is also a faint DRP / THALE stamp on the rear skirt under a "Lion" logo, indicating  production by the Eisenhüttenwerke, Thale factory. This is the same factory that developed the M-35 lineage of helmets. Next to the marking is a large letter "U".

Overall a great opportunity to get a lovely patinated example of a WWII Luftwaffe Fire Brigade 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.