Posted 10 years ago
battlegear
(69 items)
M1956
The East German M-56 helmet was originally designed in 1942 as a replacement for the M1935/M1940 model Stahlhelms. The design was never progressed and was unused until the requirement for a new German helmet for the Volkspolizei and the National People's Army arose, it being realized that the reintroduction of the Stahlhelm would not have been tolerated by the Soviet Union.
It came in three basic versions, Mod 1 or I/56, Mod 2 or I/57 and Mod 3 or I/71, and was widely sold (or given) to Third World armies."
This helmet is the Model 1/56 with a M31 style leather liner very similar to the liner used during WWII in the M35/M40 steel helmets
The markings stamped inside the steel shell:
II - 6 - 59
indicate that the shell is a size Medium manufactured in June 1959.
At 1st glance, thought it looked Dutch. Nice piece for the collection.
Thanks Blunderbuss2, I like the sleek design of the German M56, it looks modern for a helmet originally designed back in WWII , it almost has a futuristic Star Wars look?
Another great post.
another great helmet battlegear ,i like your detailed pictures and information regarding the helmet too ,i was lucky enough to pick one of these up myself last year ,i have often wondered how these managed to dodge the liner upgrade allthough it was a good thing some did ,i also wonder how many in this configuration are in circulation ,thanks james c
The design will keep the rain from dripping down the back of your neck better. Brrrrr! Just had a flashback!
These helmets must have been dumped on the market lately by the German government since the Fleet Farm Stores in Central Wisconsin are currently selling them in their military surplus sections.