The History and Evolution of World War I & II Helmets: Part IV

(continued)

In the Second World War, a Stahlhelm variant without the visor and rim was issued to paratrooper units.

The Stahlhelm with its distinctive "coal scuttle" shape was an excellent symbol for military imagery. It was a common element of military propaganda on both sides, just like the Pickelhaube before. After WWII, West Germany abandoned the distinctive Stahlhelm, which had become a symbol of German military aggression, using a variant of the more harmless-looking US Army "GI Pot" helmet instead. After the war, the West German police units kept the Stahlhelm in their inventories, though it was seldom worn, and the German Paratroopers variant was used for some time by the German Federal Police. German firefighters today still use Stahlhelm-shaped helmets in a fluorescent color. The Chilean Army still uses the Stahlhelm design for ceremonial purposes.



This is the final post of a 4 part series. I hope that you enjoyed the read.



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