WW1 & WW2 German Helmet Sizes & Makers Codes

Understanding German helmet sizes from WW1 & WW2

The German helmet is one of the most iconic collectables from both WW1 and WW2. This means that we as collectors want to have them all, all variations, all sizes, all makers. We also want to complete sets. One of the most frequently asked questions when we list a helmet for sale with no liner or a liner on its own, is which size do I need? On this page we will give you a very basic guide to understanding WW2 German helmet sizes and their makers codes. This page is ideal as a quick reference guide and we hope you find it useful.

Every original German helmet was stamped with more than just its size. The shell was also marked with a manufacturer's code, allowing collectors to identify which factory produced it. These markings are usually found on the inside skirt of the helmet, alongside the shell size.

For example, a helmet stamped Q64 tells us it was manufactured by F.W. Quist in size 64. Likewise, ET66 would indicate a size 66 shell produced by Eisenhüttenwerk AG.

Maker codes are an important part of identifying original helmets and can often help determine the period of manufacture. Some manufacturers only produced certain shell sizes, while others changed their maker codes during the war, making these markings invaluable when researching a helmet.

So, here is a handy size guide that should help you through. There are of course a few things to note up front. Although size 70 helmets do exist, they are VERY hard things to find. In all of our years of collecting we have owned 2 and they almost never come up for sale, the same can (to a degree) be said for the size 60s although they are slightly more common. It is estimated that around 25,000,000 German helmets were produced during WW2 but so many were destroyed, buried and yet to be found, or just hidden away. Another quick note, modern reproduction shells are being heavily produced the world over so be aware. Anyways, let's get into it!

German Helmet Size Guide

How to Measure a German Helmet Yourself

The size marking should be marked on the inside rim of the helmet proceeded by the manufacturer code (More on them later). For example Q64 which is a size 64 Quist made helmet. However, if your helmet does not have the markings in, this is normally in relics where it has simply eroded, then either place a tape measure around the inside of the shell and you will find your size. Or, if you do not have the appropriate measure or are finding it too fiddly, run the tape measure around the outside of the shell following the red line in the photo below and take approximately 2cm from the number you get. This is not an exact science, but should give you about the right size of the helmet.

Measuring a WW2 German helmet — WW2 double decal Luftwaffe M35 Helmet. Credit: CS Militaria.

WW1 German Helmets

During WW1 and WW2 the German armies relied on manufacture keeping up with demand and as such used factories spread all across their territories. Using original documentation and extensive research collectors and historians have put together lists of manufacturers and what they made. During WW1 there were 3 models of helmets, the M16, M17 and M18. The M17 in reality is an M16 with a different pattern liner, but the M18 was a slight change in model. You then also have Austro-Hungarian helmets which were heavily used by the Germans.

WW2 German Helmet Manufacturers and Their Codes

WW1 Austro-Hungarian Helmet Manufacturers and Their Codes

WW2 German Helmets

During the Second World War, Germany introduced three main helmet models: the M35, M40 and M42. Each was developed to simplify production while retaining the excellent protection offered by the original M35 design. Each number represents the year that it came into service with the M35 replacing the WW1 helmets in July of 1935.

M35

The M35 is the earlier of the WW2 patterns and overall, the best quality. It is easy to spot with the air vents being a separate piece of metal fitted in (sometimes referred to as doughnuts) and the rolled edge around the rim. As a general but not exclusive rule, M35s were double decals, meaning they had decals on both sides of the shell.

Double decal combat police helmet. Credit: The Ruptured Duck LLC

M40

The M40 in most ways is an M35; it retained the rolled rim, however they changed the air vent. Realising there was no benefit to adding in a separate piece, they made the air vent a part of the single piece construction of the helmet.

Single decal M40 Heer Helmet. Credit: The Militaria Shop

M42

Finally the M42. This helmet was produced through until the end of WW2 and retained the built-in air vent of the M40 with one major change — they stopped rolling the lip. The steelwork around the bottom lip just runs straight out, which likely saved a lot of factory time per helmet.

M42 Camouflaged German helmet. Credit: IMCS Militaria

WW2 German Helmet Manufacturer Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the size on a German helmet?

The shell size is normally stamped on the inside rear skirt of the helmet, usually next to the manufacturer's code. For example, ET66 or Q64 indicates both the maker and shell size.

What do German helmet maker codes mean?

The maker code identifies the factory that manufactured the helmet shell. Codes such as ET, Q, EF and NS are among the most commonly encountered on WW2 German helmets and are an important part of authenticating and identifying an original example.

What is the most common German helmet size?

Size 64 is generally considered the most common shell size encountered by collectors, followed closely by size 66. Much smaller sizes, such as 60, and larger sizes, such as 70, are considerably scarcer.

Are size 70 German helmets rare?

Yes. Original size 70 German helmets are exceptionally difficult to find. Despite millions of helmets being produced during the war, very few size 70 shells were manufactured, making them highly desirable amongst collectors today.

Can I fit any liner into a German helmet?

No. Each shell size requires the correct liner size. For example, a size 64 shell accepts either a size 56 or 57 liner, while a size 66 shell takes a size 58 or 59 liner.

How do I tell the difference between an M35, M40 and M42 helmet?

The easiest way is to look at the air vents and the edge of the shell. The M35 has separate vent bushings and a rolled rim, the M40 has stamped vents but retains the rolled rim, while the M42 has stamped vents and an unrolled edge.

Did German helmet maker codes change during WW2?

Yes. Some manufacturers changed their codes during the war. For example, ET became ckl in 1943, while SE changed to hkp. Knowing these changes can help narrow down when a helmet was produced.

Are reproduction German helmets common?

Very much so. Modern reproduction shells, liners and decals are widely available and are becoming increasingly convincing. Always examine the shell, maker code, lot number, paint, liner and chinstrap together before purchasing an expensive helmet.

Does the maker code affect the value of a helmet?

It can. Some manufacturers are encountered less frequently than others, while certain combinations of maker, shell size, decal and camouflage finish are particularly sought after. However, condition, originality and provenance will usually have a greater impact on value than the maker code alone.

Further Reading

At The Militaria Shop, we’re collectors ourselves — and we know how much a good reference guide can help. We’ve been building out a library of guides covering everything from German helmet sizes and RZM codes to British uniform sizing and War Department stamps. We add new ones as we get the time, so there’s always something new in the works.

You can find all our guides on the Militaria Collectors Guides page, or browse a selection below.