In the early thirties helmets were scarce in Germany. WWI helmets and Austrian helmets were all that they had. The M16 WWI helmet was the first choice in available helmets. When the SS was formed and insignias were hand painted if done at all.
That changed on August 14 1935 with a directive that decals would be installed on SS helmets.
What is interesting is the black SS helmets never saw battle. they were essentially parade helmets. They, along with the black uniform were phased out in 1940. But the sinister look of that helmet was taken off the shelves by the GI's. None were worn in the battles. But they had the LOOK.
And I have to agree. I have a M16 helmet shell and decided to see if I could capture the look. Found a place in France that makes excellent decals applied the same way as originals.
An original blacky in the same condition as my impression has a price tag now of approximately $25,000. Just a "tad" out of my price range...
But I captured the look for a whole lot less.
