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.

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 WW2 they equally went with 3 different models, the M35, M40 and M42. 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

We hope this post helps. Please check out our other collectors guides for more useful information!