Nazi Helmet

Object/Artifact

-

anonymous...

Name/Title

Nazi Helmet

Entry/Object ID

5253A

Description

This is likely German M35 or M40 steel combat helmet from the WWII era, showing clear signs of wear and age. The helmet retains its characteristic flared skirt and rolled edge. The exterior finish appears to be a field-applied paint, possibly a shade of feldgrau (field gray), though the exact color is difficult to ascertain due to discoloration and wear. A prominent feature is the Nazi Party eagle decal affixed to the helmet. The decal's details are worn, but the eagle's form and the swastika within its talons are still discernible. The helmet shows signs of rust, scratches, and other damage consistent with age and use.

Context

This helmet helmet was dropped by its owner as he fled advancing American troops near Dachau and was later retrieved by US military veteran Kurt Weiler. The helmet's condition reflects the harsh realities of war, and the haphazard manner by which it was recovered.

Collection

MMJH

Category

Uniform

Made/Created

Time Period

WWII

Place

* Untyped Place

Germany

Ethnography

Cultural Region

* Untyped Cultural Region

Germany

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Seal

Location

Nazi Party eagle decal

Dimensions

Width

9-1/2 in

Length

11-3/4 in

Material

Steel, Metal

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Object Label

Label

[headline] Abandoned [body] The German helmet above was dropped by its owner as he fled advancing American troops near Dachau and was later retrieved by Kurt Weiler. The fezzes, made by slave-labor prisoners in the camp, were intended for soldiers of the Handschar Division, a group of Bosnian Muslims who volunteered to serve in the elite battle units of the Waffen SS.