WWII German Air Force And National Insignia

Second pattern Luftwaffe decal on camouflage-painted helmet. ​

This second pattern Luftwaffe decal appears on an M1940 helmet camouflage-painted in three colours. The camouflage paint was applied to leave a triangular patch of blue-grey factory paint exposed around the decal, a common technique for saving time and difficulty.

Luftwaffe decal on helmet camouflaged with Zimmerit​

When Zimmerit was applied to a helmet it was generally done using a rag or an old paintbrush. A thick coat has been carefully applied right up to the edges of this age-worn second pattern Luftwaffe insignia, giving it a countersunk appearance.

Second pattern Luftwaffe decal on M1938 paratroop helmet​

This early example of the M1938 paratroop helmet displays the smooth field-grey paint finish typically found on such pieces.

Standard Luftwaffe decal​

Introduced for general use in 1937, the standard decal applied to all Luftwaffe helmets measured 36mm X 67mm. It was printed in both water-slide and lacquer applied varieties. This clean example appears on an M1 935 double decal helmet.

National colours decal​

The national colours insignia was introduced in March 1933. After February 1934 the tricolour shield appeared on the right side of all combat helmets, until ordered removed from general use in 1940. Decals of this kind were printed in both water and lacquer formats. The thin dark shadow around the borders of the insignia indicate that a protective coat of lacquer has been applied at the factory before delivery.

National colours decal on repainted helmet​

This example appears on an M1935 double-decal Army helmet that was reconditioned in 1940. The dull paint has been hand-applied by brush and has slightly covered the edges of the decal, giving the bottom a more pointed appearance.

​