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 |
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
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– Below I have a list of individual helmets; most of which aremy 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.
Each has decals which were applied with lacquer. The decals are firmly in place. They are not coming off unless you chisel them off.
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Helmet #302; M40 Q66
This is an original Q66 M40 helmet that was stripped and repainted in feldgrau paint. There is light surface pitting scattered around the surface of the helmet shell but this is mostly obscured by the textured paint. A reproduction SS decal has been applied. The liner/chinstrap are European-made reproductions. $325.00
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Helmet #301; M42 ET66
This is an original ET66 M42 helmet that was stripped and repainted in blue/gray paint. Then a Luftwaffe decal was added and a 3-color camo pattern applied by spray. The helmet was subtly aged for a very realistic look. The liner/chinstrap are European-made reproductions. $395.00
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Helmet #300; M40 Q66
This is an original Q66 M40 helmet (maker mark on the side) that was stripped and repainted in feldgrau paint. Then an army decal was added and a 3-color camo pattern applied by spray. The liner/chinstrap are European-made reproductions. $425.00
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Helmet #399; M42 ET68
Everybody’s favorite combat helmet… and in a big size. This ET68 is an original shell that has been stripped and repainted with my special mix feldgrau textured paint. It has my usual European-made reproduction liner and strap assembly and I applied the army decal with lacquer. $500.00
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Helmet #398; M18 ECO ET64
This is a 100% original M18 ear-cut-out helmet shell manufactured by ET in the summer of 1918. As must be; this one is marked as size 64. It’s been stripped and repainted in my special mix M1935 feldgrau smooth texture. European made M31 liner/chinstrap assembly (as would have been used in a helmet refurbished by the fledgling Wehrmacht during the 1935-37 period) $1200.00
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Helmet #397; M35 ET66
This is an original ET66 shell which was stripped and repainted in my special mixed M35 smooth texture feldgrau. The maker/size markings as well as the lot number are so faint that I cannot see them. This could be from a weak strike combined with paint build-up. The liner is a size 59 European-made reproduction. Lacquer applied decals. $435.00
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Helmet #396; M35 NS66
This is an original NS66 shell which was stripped and repainted in my special mixed M40 feldgrau. The shell has some pitting on the dome and the inner skirt. The liner is a size 59 European-made reproduction. Lacquer applied decal. $325.00
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Helmet #395; M40 Q66
This is an original Q66 shell which was stripped and repainted in my special mixed M40 feldgrau. The shell has some pitting on the dome and the inner skirt. The liner is a size 59 European-made reproduction. Lacquer applied decal. SOLD
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Helmet #394; M40 Hkp64
This is an original Hkp size 64 shell which was stripped and repainted in my special mixed M40 feldgrau. A size 56 European-made reproduction liner. Lacquer applied decal. $325.00
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Helmet #393; M35 EF64
This helmet was not restored by me. I only added the decals. But whomever did the work on it did a very good job. There is some light pitting but not bad. It’s an original M35 shell size 64, Reproduction liner size 57. $375.00
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Helmet #392; M18 GBN64
This is an original M18 size 64 shell which was stripped and repainted in my special mixed M16 feldgrau. It replicates an early transition helmet with an aluminum framed liner. Lacquer applied decals. You’ll love it. $475.00
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Helmet #385; M42 EF66
This is an original M42 EF66. It’s been stripped and painted with my special mixed wartime textured feldgrau. A single SS decal has been applied with lacquer. Liner and chinstrap are European-made reproductions. $350.00
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Helmet #383; M42 Ckl66
An original M42 helmet shell with my special mixed feldgrau paint with added texture. European made liner and chinstrap. Lacquer applied army decal. The chicken-wire basket, I made from a roll of wire I found in a Barn in Wurttemberg. ON HOLD
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Helmet #381; M38 size 71/59
This is a good quality complete reproductionhelmet with a tolerable liner and chinstrap. Lacquer applied decals $175.00
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Helmet #380; M38 size 71/59
This is a good quality reproduction M38 with my best attempt at an FJ6 camouflage pattern with sawdust texture, just like originals. I think it turned out pretty good. $225.00
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Helmet #367; M42 ET68Helmet
This is an original ET 68 M42 helmet shell with a European made reproduction liner and chinstrap. Newly repainted in my special mixed m1940 spec Luftwaffe blue/gray with texture. The helmet has an Luftwaffe eagle decal applied. $500.00
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(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 evidentby 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, andin comparison to an original helmet from my collection, I’m nearly at a lossfor 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
