Z42/79 helmet

Helmet with reversible cover.

These helmets were worn into early1980s.



                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                        

It would be great if someone with experience with the history of these helmets document the various versions of it. Some time long ago I knew more about them, but I don't have documentation and have since forgotten. IIRC my examples don't have that big hollow rivet above the liner rivets.

If I can easily find my helmets I'll take some pics. I think I have the metal Army crest on the front of one of mine too. That was done for parades and probably other formal occasions.

Steve

As far as I know, there were 2 types of Z helmets. Although German helmets ( M35s) are known to have been worn during the Spanish Civil War, post WWII helmets in the German design are designated as M42, and M42/79 ( with upgraded web liner ). The M42 had a simple 3 part leather liner. They also have that big vent rivet.

Beautiful example rip, and nice to have the cover too. I picked one up years ago but it's very scratched and dinged, and the front bracket for the badge/cockade was hammered in.
Mine does have the vent holes above the side liner rivets, but I don't recall ever seeing any heat stamps or other markings anywhere on it to tell a maker or date.

Thanks. It's a relatively recent acquisition, but have wanted one for a long time.

I don't recall seeing markings, or dates, but will look again and let you know ASAP..

I think that a lot of these helmets were ruined in the 1980s-90s by folks who wanted inexpensive "German" helmets. It is now getting difficult to find nice examples that haven't been messed with. I remember in the late 1980s/early 1990s they were everywhere in the surplus stores.