ALEX MARKETPLACE - German Uniforms and Equipment

German Helmets pre 1945

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  • Steel Helmet [M17] Camo WWI

    Steel Helmet [M17] Camo WWI (Lot: 1495)

    Excellent overall condition on this helmet. Features a standard camo pattern with colors of brown, green ad dark yellows. No dents and heavy damage, just expected wear for a helmet of this age. Interior is even better with all three liner pads intact which is quite rare as the tend to rot and fall out. Has a size stamping to the one side which is faint, but can just make it out. Nice WWI helmet with a great look about it.

    Auction Ended
    Product sold for blitz price: $ 1,595
  • Steel Helmet [M17] Camo WWI

    Steel Helmet [M17] Camo WWI (Lot: 1494)

    German steel helmet model 1916 (Stahlhelm M16) featuring original camouflage finish from the First World War period. The dome surface retains hand-applied camouflage decoration consisting of geometric segments divided by black lines. The helmet is equipped with characteristic ventilation bolts (Lüftungsbolzen) on the sides for attachment of the brow shield. The interior preserves an original leather chin strap with three flaps, showing signs of natural wear from use. An ink inscription is visible on the inner surface of the dome. This example is of considerable collector interest due to its preserved field camouflage finish.

    $ 1,995 fee: 22.5%
  • Steel Helmet [M17] Austria WWI

    Steel Helmet [M17] Austria WWI (Lot: 1493)

    Stunning WWI Austrian model helmet featuring beautiful original paint and no heavy damage. The helmet is complete with original liner and the more rare original chinstrap, which is normally absent. Presenting a great aesthetic quality, it would be difficult to find a finer example of this type.

    $ 2,495 fee: 22.5%
  • Steel Helmet [M17] Austria WWI

    Steel Helmet [M17] Austria WWI (Lot: 1492)

    This is one outstanding helmet with excellent exterior paint and no heavy damage on this combat piece. The interior of the helmet is just as nice with the original liner and chinstrap still pretty supple and still intact. The liners and chinstraps tend to be so worn and cracked, but this one is still very clean. It has all three pads and the drawstring still in the original tie. The helmet is also marked on the one side and it has a very faint name in a thin ink on the back skirt. Just a fine example of this style helmet.

    $ 2,195 fee: 22.5%
  • Double Decal Helmet for German Paratroopers [M38] Luftwaffe.

    Double Decal Helmet for German Paratroopers [M38] Luftwaffe. (Lot: 1312)

    This Fallschirmjäger M38 paratrooper steel helmet with two original decals represents a rare example of early production, retaining its original factory finish and both insignia in untouched condition.

    The M38 design was developed specifically for Luftwaffe airborne units and differed fundamentally from standard army steel helmets. The significantly shortened brim and compact dome shape reduced the likelihood of snagging on parachute equipment elements and minimized air resistance during the jump. Since German paratroopers jumped wearing their steel helmets, the M38 had to provide protection not only in combat but also during the descent and landing itself. To achieve this, a special internal system was developed featuring shock-absorbing elements designed to cushion impact loads and prevent head injuries. Another distinctive feature was the complex system of chin and retention straps, which provided considerably more secure helmet fixation compared to standard infantry models and prevented the helmet from shifting or coming off during the jump and landing. The preservation of the original liner and complete strap assembly is particularly significant when evaluating a collectible example. The M38 was not merely a piece of personal armor; it simultaneously served as part of the paratrooper’s specialized jump equipment. Its design combined combat protection requirements with the specific demands of airborne operations, making the M38 one of the most technically distinctive and recognizable German steel helmets of the Second World War period.

    Early German steel helmets of the Third Reich period originally featured two decals, placed on both sides of the dome. One indicated affiliation with the respective branch of armed forces or organization (in this case, the Luftwaffe), while the second represented the national insignia in German flag colors. With the outbreak of war, the use of the second decal was gradually discontinued, as the bright insignia served as a revealing element and did not meet frontline operational requirements. During the war, many early double-decal helmets were repainted, received additional camouflage finishes, or had one or both decals removed. A significant number of helmets were also lost or destroyed directly during combat operations. For this reason, original double-decal helmets that have retained their initial factory finish and both decals are encountered considerably less frequently today than later single-decal and no-decal variants. Particular collector value is attached to untouched examples on which the second decal has survived completely or nearly completely and has not been concealed by later paint, removed, or restored.

    $ 25,000 fee: 22.5%
  • Genuine Austro-Hungarian M17 steel helmet of the First World War. Wartime web chinstrap, complete original leather liner, Isonzo-braun finish. With a named US veteran bring back provenance, France, 1918.

    Genuine Austro-Hungarian M17 steel helmet of the First World War. Wartime web chinstrap, complete original leather liner, Isonzo-braun finish. With a named US veteran bring back provenance, France, 1918. (Lot: 1212)

    Genuine Austro-Hungarian Stahlhelm, Model M17, of the First World War. Austria-Hungary used the German M16 but produced its own M17 version, and this example shows all the correct Austrian markers.

    The key indicators of Austrian manufacture are the cloth (web) chinstrap with leather tabs and roller buckle, and the chinstrap attachment set higher on the dome than on German shells. The dome retains its characteristic side ventilation lugs (Hörner), which also served as the mounting points for the armored brow plate. The warm brown surface tone is consistent with the Austrian Isonzo-braun finish.

    An important dating detail: the cloth chinstrap points to wartime production of 1917 to 1918. Later, postwar Austrian helmets of this type used a leather chinstrap, so a complete web chinstrap marks this as a genuine wartime piece rather than an interwar one. Inside, it retains the complete original three-pad leather liner with its drawstring, a feature frequently missing or replaced on surviving helmets. The liner carries a size stamp reading 64.

    Provenance: the helmet is accompanied by an old collector tag stating that it was brought back from France in November to December 1918, and named to William Joseph Tobiska. In keeping with the period, the tag calls the helmet German: the American soldier did not distinguish the Austrian pattern from the German one, which is typical of war souvenirs and only underlines the authenticity of the story.

    Condition: an honest, untouched example with a textured surface, light oxidation, and wear consistent with a century old combat item. Offered exactly as found, a genuine WWI Austro-Hungarian helmet with complete liner, original wartime web chinstrap, and a named bring back provenance.

    Please review all photos closely, they form part of the description. Worldwide shipping.

    $ 2,375 fee: 22.5%
  • M35 Beaded Helmet – ET66 “ASENO-248”, “G.S.”

    M35 Beaded Helmet – ET66 “ASENO-248”, “G.S.” (Lot: 1044)

     A well-presented example of the M35 Beaded Helmet – ET66, manufactured by ET and stamped ET66, with lot number 5064. This civil defense helmet retains much of its original paint 

    The steel shell is finished in black paint, a standard color for fire brigades and civil services. White alphanumeric markings (“ASENO-248”, “G.S.”) are painted on the sides and rear, indicating assignment to a specific unit or facility.

    The shell is clearly stamped “ET66” (Eisenhüttenwerke Thale, size 66) and “5064” (lot number).

     

    $ 195 fee: 22.5%
  • M35 Beaded Helmet – ET64

    M35 Beaded Helmet – ET64 (Lot: 1043)

    An original German Beaded helmet from the Third Reich period. Manufactured from steel based on the military M34/M35 helmet, it was adapted to meet the needs of civil defence and police.

    The shell retains its ventilation holes and rivets, with the manufacturer’s stamp “ET64” indicating production by Eisenhüttenwerke Thale and a size 64 shell. An additional marking “692” is visible inside (batch number). The interior is fitted with the original leather liner with multiple tongues and the chinstrap.

     

    $ 325 fee: 22.5%
  • German M16 Stahlhelm – Early Type with Rare Complete Leather Band Liner, All Original Paint. Extremely rare!

    German M16 Stahlhelm – Early Type with Rare Complete Leather Band Liner, All Original Paint. Extremely rare! (Lot: 1033)

    An exceptionally well-preserved German M16 combat helmet from the First World War, in a rare and highly desirable state of originality. This is an early-production example, easily identified by its large external lugs (“ventilation lugs”) designed both for airflow and to accommodate an additional brow plate.

    The helmet retains 100% of its original field-gray textured paint, with a beautiful, untouched patina that speaks to its age and authenticity. Unlike later examples with replaced or refurbished interiors, this piece still contains its original leather liner band, complete with the three-pad leather system and remnants of the interior drawstring. The leather shows wear consistent with service use but remains stable and complete.

    Maker’s mark and lot number are clearly visible inside the shell (stamped G62), confirming both the size and manufacturer. The split pins remain tight and untouched, further underlining the helmet’s originality.

    Helmets of this type and condition are seldom encountered on the market, as most surviving examples were either repainted, reissued in WWII, or have suffered liner replacement. This untouched example represents a textbook collector’s piece.

    SOLD
  • German M16 Steel Helmet with Camouflage Paint

    German M16 Steel Helmet with Camouflage Paint (Lot: 1032)

    This is an original German M16 steel helmet from the First World War. The shell is made of steel with the characteristic outward vent lugs, which also served as fittings for the additional frontal armor plate (Stirnpanzer). The surface retains traces of the factory finish with an overpainted camouflage in the so-called Buntfarbenanstrich style — the typical multi-color pattern introduced in 1916, featuring green, ochre, and brown segments divided by black lines. The paint shows natural wear, confirming its authenticity.

    Inside, the original leather liner, complete with its three leather pads and metal band, is preserved, along with the chinstrap. On the rear skirt of the shell, the stamped marking “G62” is visible, indicating the manufacturer and the shell size (62). Additional factory markings are also present on the interior.

    Helmets of this type were introduced to the German Army in 1916, replacing the earlier leather Pickelhaube. Thanks to their strength and protective qualities, the M16 became a symbol of the German soldier of the First World War and served as the foundation for the entire line of steel helmets leading up to the M35 of the Second World War.

    $ 1,350 fee: 22.5%
  • Imperial Japanese Army Steel Helmet – WWII

    Imperial Japanese Army Steel Helmet – WWII (Lot: 810)

    Original Imperial Japanese Army Type 90 combat helmet, Second World War period.

    Steel shell retains strong character with heavy field patina and surface oxidation consistent with age and service use. The front features the applied five-pointed star emblem of the Imperial Japanese Army. No visible repaint; surface shows honest wear and aging.

    The interior is fitted with a modern reproduction leather liner and chinstrap. The liner is clean and functional, but not period-original.

    A solid representative example of a WWII Japanese helmet, ideal for display or as a representative piece in a Pacific War collection.

    $ 495 fee: 22.5%

Sold at Blitz price

  • Steel Helmet [M17] Camo WWI

    Steel Helmet [M17] Camo WWI (Lot: 1495)

    Excellent overall condition on this helmet. Features a standard camo pattern with colors of brown, green ad dark yellows. No dents and heavy damage, just expected wear for a helmet of this age. Interior is even better with all three liner pads intact which is quite rare as the tend to rot and fall out. Has a size stamping to the one side which is faint, but can just make it out. Nice WWI helmet with a great look about it.

    Auction Ended
    Product sold for blitz price: $ 1,595
  • Officer sword of Third Reich [FW. Höller]. With an additional eagle on the back of the grip

    Officer sword of Third Reich [FW. Höller]. With an additional eagle on the back of the grip (Lot: 1472)

    Officer parade weapons, revived following the restoration of the German armed forces, continued the proud traditions of the Imperial Army and the Reichswehr. Unlike the Army dagger model 1935, officer sabers were produced in numerous design variations by various Solingen manufacturers. Production of this type of weapon was discontinued in May 1943 due to wartime industrial demands; however, examples already in service continued to be worn with parade uniforms. In late 1944, the wearing of parade edged weapons was completely abolished, and officers were ordered to carry a pistol instead of a saber or dagger.

    The blade bears the mark of the renowned Solingen firm F. W. Höller Waffenfabrik, founded in 1866 and officially registered with the Solingen authorities on 5 June 1883. From its founding, the company specialized in the production of edged weapons and cutlery. Throughout the late 19th century and during the First World War, the firm manufactured a wide range of military products, including bayonets, sabers, and swords. In 1905, the company registered its well-known trademarks: the thermometer image, as well as the figure of a man tipping his hat with the inscription “Hut ab!” (“Hats off!”). From 1914 to 1939, the firm was managed by Julius Küller. During the Third Reich period, Höller became one of the largest and most prolific edged weapons manufacturers in Solingen, specializing in a broad range of military products. In 1935, the company was located at Sonnenstraße 8, Solingen, and that same year received RZM license M7/33. Products were actively advertised in specialized journals and catalogs, showcasing an extensive assortment that included NSDAP and Wehrmacht daggers, swords, and bayonets. The firm also produced parade bayonets with high-quality etched blades. In 1941, Höller celebrated its 75th anniversary, promoting the Höller Model 21 sword as its flagship model. In June 1941, the company was assigned the K98 bayonet manufacturer letter code (fze). Following the end of the Second World War, under the ownership of Herr Grah, the firm continued operations, producing cutlery, kitchen and professional knives, swords, and scissors through the 1970s. The company was officially liquidated in December 1974. Particular collector value is added to this example by a rare decorative detail: an additional eagle on the grip backstrap, distinguishing this saber from standard production specimens.

    Auction Ended
    Product sold for blitz price: $ 5,395
  • SA Service Dagger (Early type). [Stöcker & Co. SMF]. Rarity 6/10

    SA Service Dagger (Early type). [Stöcker & Co. SMF]. Rarity 6/10 (Lot: 1465)

    A service edged weapon of the SA (Sturmabteilung) storm troopers, adopted in 1933. The distinctively shaped blade with double-sided sharpening bears the legendary motto “Alles für Deutschland.” The handle is made of brown-colored wood and decorated with the SA emblem featuring an eagle; the metal scabbard is finished in the same brown tone.

    The early type of SA/NSKK daggers was produced between 1933 and 1936 and is distinguished by a number of characteristic design features. The scabbard and handle fittings are made of nickel silver (German silver), which, combined with the high quality of component fitting and the anodized scabbard coating, sets these examples apart from later production runs. This dagger was manufactured by Stöcker & Co. SMF. Early examples are particularly prized by collectors due to their impeccable craftsmanship and historical significance as the first service daggers of the storm troopers.

    A rarity rating of 5 out of 10 according to the Ralf Siegert classification indicates that such examples are relatively uncommon on the antiques market.

    Auction Ended
    Product sold for blitz price: $ 2,525
  • Imperial German Navy Officer’s Sword [E. & F. Horster]. Marine Corps (Seebataillon)

    Imperial German Navy Officer’s Sword [E. & F. Horster]. Marine Corps (Seebataillon) (Lot: 1468)

    The naval saber was a mandatory attribute of the dress uniform of officers in the Kaiserliche Marine. During the period of Kaiser’s Germany, the imperial anchor beneath the Kaiser’s crown was characteristic in the design of the hilt. The classical variant featured a brass hilt, ivory grip, and a lion’s head with eyes of red and green color. The scabbard was typically made of black leather with brass fittings; steel scabbards are considerably rarer. Sabers were purchased by officers at their own expense, which resulted in numerous variations of execution. Standard and Damascus blades can be found, various hilt designs and decorative scabbard finishes, as well as several sizes ranging from light and elegant to large Grosse Pattern models. It is precisely this diversity of execution that makes naval sabers a particularly interesting independent field of collecting: collections can be built according to manufacturers, sizes, hilt types, blades, and finishing variations. Along with the dirk, the saber remained a symbol of officer status and the continuity of German naval weaponry traditions of the nineteenth century.

    E. & F. Hörster, one of the largest Solingen manufacturers of naval edged weapons, operated from the nineteenth century and continued production during the Weimar Republic and the Third Reich. The firm produced high-quality naval sabers and dirks in various execution variants. Already before World War I, Hörster products were supplied not only for the German market but were also exported to other European countries, including the Russian Empire. Thanks to its long operational period, Hörster products allow one to trace the development of naval edged weapons from the Kaiser era to the Kriegsmarine.

    Seebataillone represented naval infantry units of the Kaiserliche Marine. There were several marine battalions, and the custom-made edged weapons associated with them constitute a separate field of collecting German naval weaponry. A characteristic feature of such items is the combination of naval and infantry attributes. For example, an officer’s saber could feature a traditional naval hilt and blade but be equipped with steel infantry-type scabbards. Custom specimens frequently bear personal dedications from one officer to another or from the officer corps to a specific serviceman of a Seebataillon. In addition to officer sabers and other custom edged weapons, this group includes infantry-type bayonets for Mauser system rifles with Seebataillone designations and symbols. Most such items bear unit designations; however, named specimens also occur, representing particular collecting interest.

    This saber features a characteristic openwork pierced hilt, presented in the catalogs of several manufacturers; however, it did not correspond to the established standard for Kaiserliche Marine edged weapons and was subsequently prohibited from being worn. It is precisely this unusual feature that makes such sabers particularly desirable among collectors today. Such specimens were predominantly ordered as presentation weapons, for example upon an officer’s transfer to another unit or upon his retirement from service, and served as an object of special pride for the owner. The present specimen is entirely original; the factory riveting of the hilt remains intact, the saber has not been disassembled, and retains its original configuration.