Customer Reviews

Germany's Combat Helmets - 1933 - 1945: A Modern Study

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Finally a book that covers it all. This book is probably the ultimate reference guide for German helmet collectors. It covers all aspects of the German helmets and goes into details of the different decals and makers. All branches are covered and shown in very detailed color photos.

Ken Niewiarowicz is probably the World's utmost expertise on German helmets. This book allows us as collectors to tap into Ken's vast knowledge.

If you are a new collector, or already have accumulated a big collection of "lids" this book will be the cornerstone of your reference library. It should not only be recommended, but required for all collectors.

This is a newly published book written by an true expert on WWII German headgear, as well as many other aspects of collecting war related artifacts. As a wannabe helmet collector (I have purchased helmets from Ken), I have several references on the subject, most of which are no longer available and out of publication. Some are still available, however, though often only in used condition, and usually at very, very high prices. This book fills a void for many who may be new to or even for veterans of the study/collection of German helmets as well as helping to complete libraries for us older (age not experience wise) enthusiasts. Genuine helmets are rare and getting very expensive, if you can find any at all.

Once in a rare moon a WWII vet passes away and his family wants to dispose of his momentos and real treasures can be found, but the term "rare" describes the chance that you will get there first. In addition, there are those who provide helmets that have been refurbished, then "aged" to be passed off as genuine items at outrageously high prices. Many selling these on line or elsewhere don't deny they are fakes, but many who buy these fakes do so with the intention of passing them off later as genuine to novice/naive collectors at even more outrageous prices. This book provides information that may keep you from spending big bucks only to diappointed later to find out it is a fake. As most of us know, if there is a buck to be made, someone will take advantage of it at the expense of their fellow man.

As said before, I am a wannbe collector, wannabe due to the high cost of traveling to find helmets, my scepticism of buying helmets that are very likely to be fakes, and the high cost of genuine helmets when they are rarely located. This book allows those interested to study and a look at helmets most of us will never get the chance to see or own.

If this is a subject you are interested in, then this wonderful book is an absolute must.

This book was expensive,but worth the information it contains.Well written with very good color photographs for any collector or want to be collector.

Ken's book is absolutely the best reference currently available at a "reasonable" price. The book is superb in its photgraphic treatment and depicts many outstanding helmet examples.

The narrative is generally well written but it is not a 100% complete reference. As a resource for collectors new to the hobby and those with more advanced knowledge the book feels like it is walking a fine line between giving a thorough background versus an indepth summary. Ken refers to Baer's works several times and if you have a little more knowledge on the subject you start to realize that this book really isn't a 100% stand alone reference.

It never comes right out and says so, but it assumes the reader has some basic knowledge of collecting, or has read other available books on helmets. If you don't have access to Baer's and Hick's books then visit the online sites to develop a more thorough background in all aspects of helmet manufacture etc., then sit back and enjoy Ken's books and outstanding photos in a fuller context.

Having said that it is the best reference to come out in years, especially at a reasonable price. Highly recommended.

Everything was perfect. Book was received next day and in excellent condition. Wish there had been pictures to review the book before purchase but thats how it goes sometimes.

GERMANY'S COMBAT HELMETS, 1933-1945: A MODERN STUDY
KEN NIEWIAROWICZ
R.J. BENDER PUBLISHING, 2009
HARDCOVER, $69.95, 467 PAGES, PHOTOGRAPHS

The steel helmet (Stahlhelm), with its distinctive "coalscuttle" shape, was undoubtedly the single item of uniform most readily identified with the German armed forces of World War II. Apart from Germany herself, some twenty-five other countries have used the helmet, or one patterened after its characteristics. Produced from blueprints drafted with the assistance of the original designer of the M1916 "trench helmet", the updated World War II model was lighter and more compact than its World War I predecessors. At the time of its development, the helmet reflected a state-of-the-art appearance at the forefront of military design; yet its shape still retained a faint echo of the medieval salade or sallet. This distant visual descendant of the headgear of 15th Century German knights and footsoldiers would be used in all theaters of operations, from the North African desert to the steppes of Central Russia. Although designed primarily with the German Army (Herr) in mind, the helmet was quickly integrated into all branches of the armed forces (Wehrmacht). In the Navy (Kriegsmarine), the helmet formed practical use among the many land-based units that supported sea operations-marine infantry, artillery, and replacement and training troops, and particularly the crews of anti-aircraft (Flak) batteries, and coastal artillery fortifications. Seamen serving aboard a variety of surface vessels also used the steel helmet. The same helmet was issued to men of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) for a variety of duties, ranging from basic training, sentry duty, and ceremonial parades to front line combat. From the outset, the helmet's basic design was intended to fullfill the whole range of requirements identified by a modern military organization; and a cut-down version of the standard helmet was even the origin for the design developed to meet the special needs of the growing airborne units (Fallschirmjager). An estimated 25 million German helmets were purchased between 1935 and May, 1945. These were manufactured by a number of firms, including some which had gained experience through the production of helmets during World War I. In the early years, the firms of Eisenhuttenwerke (ET) in Thale and the Sachsische Emailler und Stanzerwerke (SE) in Lauter would lead the production efforts; other firms experienced in steel manufacturing and shaping would be added: F.W. Quist (Q), Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke (NS), and Emaillierwerke Fulda (EF). In 1936, a helmet cost 6.00 Reichmarks; this price later fell to RM 2.80 as a result of design improvements and larger production volume. Helmet shells were manufactured in six different centimeter sizes (60, 62, 64, 66, 68, and 70), of which each could accept one of only two differently sized liners. Approximately 80% of all helmets were produced in the 64 centimeter and 66 centimeter shell sizes, with the oversized 70 centimeters version being manufactured in very small numbers. Until 1940, a black-white-red tricolor shield appeared on the right side, with a Wehrmacht eagle and swastika insignia on the left side. The shield was discontinued from 1940, followed later by the Wehrmacht insignia, and by 1943 these helmet badges were rarely seen. Helmets were painted field-gray in manufacture, had two small ventilation holes, and were fitted with an adjustable padded leather liner and black leather chin strap. Various camouflage schemeswere routinely applied to the helmets once issued, including white-washing them for winter warfare and painting the helmet with matt sand-colored paint for service in North Africa, where a coating of loose sand was often applied over the paint before it dried. Among the very many official and improvised aids to concealment regularly adopted were mud, paint, camouflage-pattern cloth covers, netting, wire mesh, canvas or leather straps, and circular bands cut from tire inner-tube rubber, by which means foliage could be secured to the helmet. GERMANY'S COMBAT HELMETS, 1933-1945: A MODERN STUDY is the definitive work on the German helmets used during World War II. This detailed account, supported by both black and white as well as color photographs, will become the essential reference for both collectors as well as students of World War II seeking a history of this famous headgear.

Lt. Colonel Robert A. Lynn, Florida Guard
Orlando, Florida

unbelievable dont know where to start at least
now i know what im buying has every helmet imaginable . deligted i got this as an xmas gift

Just received this book today. It is FANTASTIC. Many color pictures and very accurate descriptions of the helmets. This book ranks very high with collectors for accuracy and authenticity. It is a "must have" for any German helmet collector.