What is this helmet?

[James]

Hi.

I purchased a few helmets as a lot and knew they looked a wee bit fiddled with, also the fact the stories the guy spun kept changing as the deal progressed, but still the helmets themselves are a great example of times and shapes.

I have a duel question for each. What are they and do the insignia match? Or is it another example similar to the German Fireman helmet with the English Hampshire Fire Services sticker on it.

Also, here is my collection. You may interested in the ww1 German sentry plate and helmet. ww1 RN Pith Helmet with original tin and medals. 1930's inter war RAAF or RAF pith helmet aluminium liner, ww2 Australian officer cap, and hidden is a Swiss army ski cap from the 20's. The German paratrooper is a replica.

 

[leon21]

Welcome to the forum James you have a fine collection of hats and helmets there, I'm sure someone

on the forum will be able to help you.

[David Fraser]

Hi James,

First of all, it's all good news!

Just as a point of interest, I would like to mention that German DIN 14940 helmets, with and without combs, were exported to several European countries including Sweden, Denmark, Northern Italy (i.e. South Tyrol), Netherlands, Spain and Finland. It is also worth mentioning that the aluminium comb was in common use, in Germany, during the 1950's. It started to disappear during the 1960's and, by around 1970, only Berlin were still using the comb and continued doing so until 1997 when DIN 14940 was replaced by a new standard that required non-metallic shells. The continued use of the comb in Berlin was a legacy of the 'cold war', the theory being that it would distinguish firefighters from combatants in the event of hostilities.

Starting from the top, the badge on the black DIN standard helmet tells me this was used in the Netherlands, late 60's, early '70's.

Next one down is an early French brass helmet and all correct.

The aluminium helmet is Swedish, manufactured by Brissman, and bears a standard pattern Swedish decal. These helmets were first produced around 1945/46 but I don't know when production ceased. I believe these helmets are sought after and quite scarce but I have no idea of current value. Brissman still manufacture this style of helmet but with a fibreglass shell. They do have a web site which is worth a look.

Finally, the black helmet at the bottom is a standard Italian pattern from the 1970's.

Finally, I would like to mention a German web site that is useful for identifying fire helmets from around the world. The web site address is: - www.derfeuerwehrhelm.de

However, beware as there are some howlers on there! e.g. a comment to the effect that German DIN 14940 helmets have been in use since the 1930's which is impossible as the draft standard was issued in 1956 and approved in 1962. There is a German helmet with a plastic shell, also described as a DIN 14940 example. Again, this is incorrect as DIN 14940 stipulated a choice of steel or aluminium only for helmet shells.

Regards,

David.

[Fritz]

Some good research

[Les Hales]

Hello all. I’m new to this forum. I don’t know a thing about war memorabilia, but came across you guys while searching for information on this helmet. My husband is a retired firefight who collects fire memorabilia. We purchased this helmet at an auction and would like to find out about its history. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

[Gildwiller1918]

Les Hales, what material is the helmet made out of? metal, plastic, fiberglass, etc...

[leon21]

Welcome to the forum, looks like German/Austrian City Fire Service helmet, Fritz might be able to help you with this one.

[Fritz]

A postwar Fire Service helmet (in shape similar to the old WW2 Luftschutz - Air Raid Warning) from the West German state of Baden-Württemberg. as seen on the emblem at the front. I would think it is of light metal, possibly fibreglass? In use till at least 1990.

[Les Hales]

11 hours ago, Gildwiller1918 said:

Les Hales, what material is the helmet made out of? metal, plastic, fiberglass, etc...

It appears to be fiberglass. 

[Les Hales]

9 hours ago, Fritz said:

A postwar Fire Service helmet (in shape similar to the old WW2 Luftschutz - Air Raid Warning) from the West German state of Baden-Württemberg. as seen on the emblem at the front. I would think it is of light metal, possibly fibreglass? In use till at least 1990.

Thank you Fritz!

[Les Hales]

10 hours ago, leon21 said:

Welcome to the forum, looks like German/Austrian City Fire Service helmet, Fritz might be able to help you with this one.

Thank you Leon!

[longwaterjim]

Thanks David, much appreciated.