Jump to content

M56 Helmet


Gildwiller1918

Recommended Posts

I just picked up a nice M56 Helmet. This was the helmet used by the NVA or Nationale Volksarmee in Eastern Germany after WW2 (these were also used to some degree by the North Vietnamese). This one is stamped inside the rim with "II" which indicates its a medium size shell, "12" for the month of manufacture, and "60" for the year made. This shell has the outer rivets which was discontinued after 1966. The liner is a newer replacement and it marked on the inside liner, with "NVA II. N" the "II" was for the shell size and the "N" was a year code given, which did not go in chronological order, in this case it stood for the year 1989. I have not had one of these in years, but I found it for a really good price. 

IMG_4016.JPG

IMG_4017.JPG

IMG_4015.JPG

IMG_4018.JPG

IMG_4019.JPG

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The design of this helmet was the projected M.44, which was shown to Hitler with the introduction of the new M.44 uniform. Hitler categorically refused this design, which he considered totally un-German, and prohibited further manufacture and introduction.
The design was later found and reconsidered at the foundation of the NVA in 1956. The new uniforms were based on the outward appearance of the former Wehrmacht uniforms, and on a recommendation by Soviet generals, however, the traditional German helmet was turned down for political reasons and the M.44 design was introduced.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good info Fritz! I think most people do not realize the history of this helmet, I know I did not. I do plan on getting a version of this helmet with the earlier type liner, similar to the WW2 versions. 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I mentioned this in detail in a previous post.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here are the helmets in use 

 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...