The German Army referred to as the Heer, of World War II rose from the
ranks of the Reichswehr Army formed as a result of the Versailles Treaty
signed in 1921. Both these formations used steel helmets that were of
the older World War I types consisting of "ear cut-out"
models. Helmets during this time, were lightweight and made of aluminum.
They were used for parade and ceremonial occasions but not worn in the
field. Painting of the helmets was almost always done by hand and brush. The process of upgrading the helmets generally involved repainting the helmet with field gray paint both inside and out. Helmets were painted a light field green color using smooth paint inside and out. Preferred helmets often included those that were void of the large interior chinstrap lugs as the lack of large lugs allowed the helmets to better accommodate the newer liner and chinstrap. Almost every helmet received a single decal which was consistent with regulations held between 1940 and 1943.
The "Ear Cut-Out" helmets have the upward dip along the sides of the helmet shell. They are often referred to as the "cavalry", "artillery", or "telephone talker's" helmet owing to their general appearance and popularity among men serving in these roles. This type of helmet was created as a result of the requests for a helmet that allowed for better hearing in the trenches. Like many transitional helmets, some were stored and later repainted with rough texture paint and then reissued to Wehrmacht troops in 1940. These German helmets are ideal for military enthusiasts, collectors or living history re-enactors.
