RESTORED WW2 HELMETS

As worn by Wehrmacht and SS forces of Hitler’s Germany 1935-1945.

“In the field of restored helmets, you will find no match to the results of the painstaking research and experience that goes into the helmets offered here.“

I offer the following helmets:

– “Factory-new” restored helmets (Original helmet shells restored to appear just as they came out of the factory)

– “Custom restored helmets” (helmets which have been re-painted, decaled or camouflaged) – see those below

Helmet shells: All “Factory new” Restored helmets offered are ORIGINAL WW2 German helmets. “German helmets inc.” Will not touch a Spanish or post-war German helmet. All helmet shells used are original Pre-1945 German produced. I sourced my original shells in Europe in the years after the fall of the eastern bloc. During about 10 years of buying shells, I amassed about 4000 of them of every model and size. They became impossible to find in bulk by the early 2000s and individually; they became too expensive to buy. Ergo; my stock pile has been dwindling since 2005. I currently have less than 500 shells left and many shell model/sizes are sold out completely. I only find a shell or two occasionally these days so basically they are going out far more than they are coming in. I expect to be out of the helmet restoration business in 5 years.

Condition: (PLEASE remember to take this into account! ) The helmet shells are 75+ years old. They have been through a world war. They have been kicked about in storage for decades. There are likely going to be a few that have nicks on the rims; there are likely going to be some that have a small ding or possibly even minor rust pitting. Further; as with originals, (especially mid to late-war produced helmets) there is the possibility of a helmet having manufacture flaws such as a strange “grain” to the metal that shows through the paint or even a minor paint run. I am often asked to special pick helmets which will be as perfect as possible in every way. I try to do this but guarantee nothing in this regard. I can only say that I have experienced only a couple of returns over the last 25 years. This; with over 3000 helmets sold, is a 99.9% success rate. That’s better odds than you are going to get from the Trojan company.

Paints: Helmet shells that are early M1935 examples are finished in “Smooth texture gray-green” just as originals. (OR for a more correct war-time appearance, M35s are also available in textured “feld-grau”… this is offered on special-order basis only. I don’t stock them normally.)
Helmet shells that are M1940 or M1942 are finished in wartime “feld-grau” and have the correct rough texture added.
Both the color and (where applicable) texture are specially mixed to match mint original examples in my collection.
All paints used are hard enamel.

Liners: Each helmet is fitted with a reproduction liner that is new made in Europe to exact specifications.

Chinstraps: Each helmet comes complete with a high quality reproduction chinstrap (as described in the page “reproduction helmet components”)

Decals: Helmets are without decals to allow the customer to choose his own. A variety of decaled helmets are offered individually below

Sizes: Please refer to the size chart for availability and prices.

Availability: It is best to send me an E-mail to confirm that I have the exact size/model that you need. (Use the E-mail link at the bottom of each page on this site.)

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“Factory new” restored original helmets available in Models M35, M40 and M42

Available in either Heer/SS feldgrau or Luftwaffe blue/gray

An M40 painted in Luftwaffe feldblau (Luftwaffe helmets are less in demand and therefore not as wide a selection is kept on my shelfs. Your specific size and/or model may have to be ordered and then prepared)

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I have to brag about my textured paint mixture. I use powdered aluminum oxide just as the Germans did. It is applied with the paint using a method of my own devising in order to replicate the finish produced by the industrial painters at the original helmet factories. NOBODY DOES THIS THE WAY I DO AND NOBODY GETS THE RESULTS AS CORRECTLY AS I DO)

Below is a size chart to convert your hat-size to a helmet/shell size. If you do not know your hat size, measure your head at the brow with a tape measure.

U.S. hat size	head measurement in inches (in inches)	metric hate size	helmet shell size
6 7/8	21.25	54	62
7	21.50	55	62
7 1/8	22	56	64
7 1/4	22.50	57	64
7 3/8	23	58	66
7 1/2	23.25	59	66
7 5/8	23.50	60	68
7 3/4	24	61	68

AVAILABILITY:

Please note that a good many of the sizes/models are intermittently out of stock. The pile of helmets which I was able to buy in Europe during the 1990s-2000s has dwindled nearly away and I am not able to source many original shells any more.

– I am able to offer M42 helmets in “no-decal” configuration. These represent helmets which were produced after the summer of 1943 when the practice of factory decal application was halted. As I have a number of These in different sizes, I do not photograph each one individually. The following sizes are available.

M42 – shell size 62 (liner size 54-55) —- $225

M42 – shell size 66 (Liner size 58-59) —- $350

– Below I have a list of individual helmets; most of which are my own restorations. Just like the “factory new” ones listed above. Except I have added decals to them. They did not all turn out exactly the same so I have photographed each one. Each helmet is unique and the pictured helmet is the one you would be getting it you buy it. Some have flaws as described.

Each is a restored ORIGINAL WW2 German helmet and the majority have ORIGINAL maker markings.

Helmet #383; M35 ET68

Here is an original M35, stripped and repainted in a color which is typical among the M35 series helmets from 1935 – 1939. The decals have been lacquer applied. The maker mark is a bit obscured by light pitting and paint texture. European-made size 61 liner and chinstrap. SOLD

Helmet #382; M35 SE64

I ran across this M35 shell made by SE (size 64) and I thought I would create a “special” restoration. In 1940, the SE plant had what appears to be an over-run of left-over M35 shells. When they received their first (and only) Navy contract, they used these shells to fill that order, completing them to 1940 specifcations. This helmet has been stripped and repainted in textured “M40” feldgrau. A Navy decal applied to wearer’s left. Completed with a 1940 style acceptance stamp inside the dome. The liner and strap are European-made reproductions. $350.00

Helmet #381; M35 ET66

This is an original M35 shell. I cannot be sure about the maker mark due to it being a light strike, mostly obscured by metal texture and paint. But it is definitely a size 66. Stripped and repainted in M35 feldgrau. Lacquer-applied decals and European-made reproduction liner assembly.SOLD

Helmet #380; M42 NS66

This is an original NS66 M42 helmet which has been stripped and repainted in my special mixed M40 spec feldgrau paint with aluminum oxide texture. The SS decal has been applied using lacquer. European-made reproduction liner & strap. $350.00

Helmet #379; M40 NS66

This is an original NS66 M40 helmet. It has been stripped and repainted in M40 textured feldgrau paint. The helmet is fitted with a European-made size 59 liner. SOLD

Helmet #368; M35 Q64

This is an original Q64 M35 helmet which has been stripped and repainted in my special mixed M35 feldgrau paint. The Schutzpolizei decals have been applied using lacquer. The size 57 liner and chinstrap are European-made reproductions. $425.00

Helmet #367; M42 Hkp64

This is an original Hkp64 M42 helmet which has been stripped and repainted in my special mixed M40 spec feldgrau paint with aluminum oxide texture. The SS decal has been applied using lacquer. European-made reproduction liner & strap. $300.00ON HOLD

Helmet #366; 1934 era M16 Black SS Parade helmet, shell size 66

This is an example of a 1934-35 period Black parade helmet. Prior to 1938, the SS was funded by the NSDAP party and did not receive funds or equipment through military channels. Hence, all equipment (including helmets) used by SS units had to be sourced via other means. With regard to helmets, the three main sources were 1.) Commercially produced examples which were based upon the most modern helmet of the period (the M16-18 series), 2.) A small number of helmets which were declared surplus and obtained through purchase from German government stocks or 3.) Helmets purchased through de-acquisition from foreign governments, such as Austria. This helmet is meant to represent an example of #3. It is an Austrian Pre-1919 produced size 66 shell which has been stripped and repainted in black satin paint with the addition of a reproduction M31 liner system. The helmet is finished off with a set of “circle runes” decals which were prevelant during the earliest period 1934-35. (examples of these helmets are seen in the 1934 Leni Riefenstahl film “Triumph of the will” which details the 1934 Party congress at Nuremberg.) $475.00

Helmet #362; M35 SE64

This is an original SE64 M35 helmet which has been stripped and repainted in my special mixed M35 feldgrau paint. The army decals have been applied using lacquer. The size 57 liner and chinstrap are European-made reproductions. $425.00

Helmet #360; M42 Ckl66

This is an original Ckl66 M42. It has been stripped and repainted with my special mixed M1940 spec textured paint. It has a European made size 59 liner and chinstrap. The Polizei decals have been applied with lacquer. $350.00

Helmet #353; M42 Hkp66

This is an original Hkp66 M42. The size is stamped at the rear. It has been stripped and repainted with my special mixed M1940 spec textured paint. It has a European made size 59 liner and chinstrap. The Heer eagle decal has been applied with lacquer. SOLD

Helmet #352; M42 NS62

This is an original NS62 M42. The size is stamped at wearer’s left. It has been stripped and repainted with my special mixed M1940 spec textured paint. It has a European made size 55 liner and chinstrap. The Heer eagle decal has been applied with lacquer. $245.00

Helmet #381; M38 size 71/59

This is a good quality complete reproduction helmet with a tolerable liner and chinstrap. Lacquer applied decals $175.00

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TESTIMONIALS

(Really, I am not making this stuff up!)

“…Got the helmet today. Its perfect! Fits great, looks really good, I’m 100 percent pleased with the work. Thank you so much. I will highly recommend you to everyone I know. Wish I had done this months ago instead of messing around with repros, live and learn I guess. Again thank you so much.”…Jason

“…Just wanted you to know I received the helmet today and I an completely impressed. Thank you so much…..Bob.

“…I just thought I’d let you know I received my helmet today. To say I’m please with it would be an understatement. I think it’s the best helmet I’ve ever seen. It really is a work of art. The liner fits perfectly and it really looks well on my head. The paint work is flawless. Thank you so much.….Oisín

“…I wanted to write you a letter expressing my appreciation for your fine service and product. I ordered from your an M42 helmet on Monday evening; you shipped it Tuesday morning, and it was on my doorstep on Thursday. It looks absolutely perfect, fits like a glove, and was the envy of every member of the unit at our training event this past weekend! I could not be more pleased with your service or with the helmet you sent, and I made sure to mention to everyone where it came from! Thank you again.….Nicholas

” …Received helmet in the mail today. Glad to say everything that I’ve heard about your work is true! EXCELLENT quality throughout, very authentic in appearance, very quick delivery & professional customer service! Thanks again, and look forward to doing more business with you in the future….Ryan

“….I just received my refurbished WWII German M. 1940 helmet today, and it is just as I would expect from German Helmets Inc. and you, PERFECT, thanks again for such great products and service! – James
“…Just to let you know, the helmet arrived today and it’s awesome. It looks
great, I like it very much and so I’m glad I chose to buy from you”.– Michael

“Hey Ken, I received the helmet today….. WOW even better than the pictures! You have made my week!! By far the best work I have ever seen done… Almost too good to wear into battle… 🙂 Thanks a lot for every thing and when people ask where I got such a nice helmet I will point them in your direction!! – Ian

“…I just got my helmet today and I just wanted to tell you great work!! The shell looks brand new, and the reproduced components are top quality! Beautiful Job. Thanks so much for the excellent product and quick delivery”.– Joe

“…I just got back from a long day of re-enactors training (we are Waffen SS 7 Kompanie Nord) and my helmet was already here waiting for me! All I can say is, it fits PERFECTLY and I am very, very pleased. Your work is of the finest quality. In addition, your service and considerate professional courtesy for your customers is excellent. Simply put, but none the less heartfelt, when it comes to German helmets, YOU RULE! your friend and another extremely satisfied customer” – Raymond

“…The helmet arrived yesterday and I am really surprised and happy with the outcome of your excellent work! The painting is very well done and it now all looks as if the helmet had just left the factory. I will spread the word in Spain and recommend your service.

Thank you very much for the good work and quick return. – Santiago

“….helmet arrived today and id just like to complain… but I cant! its absolutely beautiful!! to think that an item over 60 years old and been through the daddy of all wars can be so lovingly restored back to un issued quality is amazing…

im glad I paid the price and got an original well restored piece rather than gamble else where for dubious quality… THANKS!!!” – Tim

“…I received the m35 helmet today and I am impressed! Your passion for accuracy is evident in the quality. Quick turn around even after refinishing it to texture field-gray! Pleasure doing business with you and look forward to future dealings.” – Dan

“…Got the helmet and it looks great. Thanks for the fast service. I will
give my recommendation on your products to anyone really interested in
obtaining a great helmet, Thanks Ken” – Randy

“…Got the helmets last week.. for your outstanding service and quick replies alone you stand among or just simply at the top of the list for vendors of German helmets I’d recommend to others. I’m very happy with my new m42 shell with my old liner in it, but I’m most pleased with the m40! I wear it all the time and cant wait to go to my next event with it! Thank you VERY much!’ – Darran

“… I am now the proud owner of an M-35 restored by Ken of German Helmets inc. Cannot believe how fast it was delivered- from Michigan to Australia in just over a week! Outstanding quality with fantastic paint work, your passion evident by the attention to detail. Your website service and quality craftsmanship have set extremely high standards of which you should be proud…” – Alex

“…I am very pleased with the M40 helmet you sent. The color and texture are perfect. I can’t believe that you sent this out on Friday and it arrived on my door step the next day in Arizona. Now that is what I call excellent customer service. Thanks again and I definitely will be sending you my M42 shell for finishing in the near future – Rich

“…Just wanted to let you know that I received the helmet yesterday and that I am pleased beyond words at the appearance and quality of this item. After seeing a few in militaria shops around my area in comparison, your helmet stands above all of them. The liner is top quality and very well crafted and the same goes for the chinstrap. Last but not least, the paint texture and color are amazing to look at and I am proud to own an item that stands out as much as this does. My wife was even impressed by the looks of the helmet-That is saying quite a lot! I’d also like to comment on the speedy delivery of this item. I received it 2 days after payment! You are a top notch person to deal with who I can tell gives great detail to producing a top quality – authentic to the times German helmet. I will be back!! “– James
“…I had just received my restored M-35 helmet today from German Helmets, Inc., and I must say, that your attention to detail, correct color/ texture is truly amazing. Aside from my purchasing original helmets from you in the past, and wanting to purchase a restored helmet out of curiosity, and in comparison to an original helmet from my collection, I’m nearly at a loss for words in trying to describe just how original this helmet really appears, it’s nothing short of exceptional in every way! Thank you for the great site, exceptional work, and superior items that you offer, “I’ll be back !” – Bill

“….Received my M42 helmet today. First of all, let me say “Thank You” for an excellent job. It far surpassed what I expected! Secondly, you surprised me on the shipping time, I expected a week or so not a few days!! I look forward with ordering from you in the future.” – John

“…Excellent job done on the helmet you worked on for me. When it was delivered today, I was excited and when I saw the finished product, I was elated!!! I give you an A+++++ to the 10th degree!!! Thanks Ken.”– Steve

“…Ken Thank you I received helmet it is wonderful… You do a great job and it looks great and authentically restored)))) keep up good work))) -John

“…I got the helmet that I ordered from you this morning. Thanks for the superb work and speedy delivery” -Roger

“… I have gotten my helmet in the post today. Thank you for fast delivery to France. I am very happy with the appearance of this M42 helmet. In France, we do not have such a service as the kind that you offer. Many thanks to you.” –Jean-Claude

“…I have just received my helmet and I am writing to let you know how pleased I am with it. You do really good work and I will be ordering again very soon.” –William

“…I got my restored helmet today. Three days after payment……great service and one GREAT HELMET! The texture, paint are perfect M1940-M1942. The Liner is the best of all, smooth soft leather…..top quality. I will be buying from German Helmets again! Thanks so much” -Mark

“…received the helmet today and it looks GREAT! Many thanks again. I definitely will be ordering more things from you in the future. Your prices are good and your an honest man.”- Wayne

“…Wow!! My helmet arrived today, and, even though I was expecting to be pleased, I was not expecting anything near the quality and workmanship that I now hold. This piece of history is impressive beyond words. I really do not know what to say, but for now, thank you very much!” – Harry

Be sure to click on this link check out my other website dedicated to other kinds of Militaria

Restored WW2 Helmets