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German Helmet Liners
Last Updated: Feruary 28, 2008
About
German Helmets and their Liners
Unlike the
one-size-fits-all US helmet, German WWII helmets (M35, M40 and M42)
come in sizes. Seven of them. The liners DO NOT adjust. This is a
source of endless confusion and consternation to re-enactors today.
The German sizing system is actually rather simple and very logical.
First, there is the shell size of the steel pot. That is the circumference
in centimeters of the inside of the shell. They come in even sizes,
60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 or 72. (Sizes 60, 70 and 72 are exceedingly
rare.) The liners have an outer band size and an inner band size.
The outer band size corresponds to the size of the helmet shell. The
inner band size is the "head size". They come in sizes 53,
54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, and 63. Again, sizes 53, 62, and
63 are rarely seen. Each outerband size can accommodate 3 different
inner band sizes. Thus, a WWII size 66 outer band can have a 57, 58
or a 59 inner band. The biggest problem we have is this one unchangeable
fact: The outer band size is not negotiable in relation to the size
of the helmet. A 66 helmet MUST have a 66 outer band an so forth.
Many people get a "deal" on a size 62 shell and then call
us demanding a liner to fit it for their size 59 head. Won't happen.
This means, when shopping for a helmet, you must figure out what size
shell will handle the liner size for your melon. The chart below will
help. Our liner bands only come with one liner size due to the immense
stocking and production issues.
FAQ:
Q:
How do I determine the size of my German helmet?
A: All
German helmets have a size stamped somewhere inside along the rim.
It will be 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 or 70. It may be hard to see but it's
there. The number will usually be preceded by a 2 letter maker code
(example "ET64") and there may be a four digit number as
well. (We only need the size; the other number(s) are irrelevant.)
Be careful, sometimes a "6" will look like an "8"
or vice-versa if the stamping isn't crisp. Since this number refers
to the circumference in centimeters of the inside of the helmet, you
can also measure the inside (along the 3 rivet holes) with a metric
tape measure and arrive at it that way.
If
you are completely confused as to what size your helmet is, just send
us the helmet and we'll get the correct size liner for it and send
it all back to you.
Q:
What else might these purdy liner fit?????
A: Why, why why do we keep getting these questions??
Our liners are made for the
standard German WWII standard issue combat helmets; M35, M40 and M42.
They will fit M16 (WWI) German helmets, but they require some
"customizing" of the upper side of the outer band. Meaning,
the liner will go in, but it will fight about it.
These
liners are not made for any other helmets in the entire universe.
This means that we do not have liners for any of the German helmets
listed below:
Luftschutz (all 547 types)
Fallschirmjager
Luftwaffe air crew helmets
Austrian
Hungarian
Our liners may (or may not) physically fit into any one (or
none) of the helmets listed above. We don't know, we don't give a
shit and we aren't going to waste a bunch of time and money buying
one of every helmet ever made to see what it takes to stuff one of
our liners into something it was not made for.
Q: Come on Dude...you sher it won't fit my motorcicle helmite?
A: Just to reiterate this in another way for
those with thick heads, bad ears, poor English skills or who simply
go deaf when they are told something other than what they want to
hear:
1. These will not fit Spanish helmets. These liners cost
twice as much as a farby-ass Spanish helmet and we don't know why
people are trying to do this anyway.
2. These will not work in Bundeswehr helmets (the ones with
no rivet holes and the pad in the top).
3. We
realize that it is possible, even probable, than anything can be made
to fit given enough time, determination and a BFH. ("Big Fuckin'
Hammer", but Phil doesn't like it when I type the "f"
word on the website.)
If you do manage to fit one of these liners into something it's not
designed for, tell your Mom. She'll be real proud of her baby boy
and maybe even give him a cookie. We don't give a damn, so save it
for Mom. OK?
If you are offended by my choice of vocabulary, that's your prerogative.
If you just cannot understand why I sound so crass, evil mean and
nasty...come work here for a week. Then you'll realize that I'm exercising
incredible restraint in my prose. German helmets attract and inspire
some of the most ridiculous questions, requests and demands in the
universe.
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German Infantry Helmet Kit
Everything you need to refurbish your Stahlhelm, minus the paint.
Includes helmet liner (any size in stock), chinstrap, and split
pin set.
Sold Out
(add $10.00 for SS-marked chinstrap)
German Helmet
Liner
The best replacement liner available. The
steel bands and leather are professionally manufactured in Germany,
exactly like the originals, including the maker, size and date
stamp. They come completely assembled, ready to install.
Chinstrap not included.
$75.00
Please
pay attention to the hot, wet, pink letters below:
WE MUST HAVE YOUR HELMET SHELL
SIZE TO FILL YOUR ORDER!!!!!
We have had dozens of e-mail and mail in orders
requesting "German liner."
THAT DOESN'T WORK PEOPLE!
PLEASE, TELL US WHAT SIZE THE FRIGGIN' HELMET IS.
Table Notes
Band Size refers to the measure
of the steel bands that frame the liner and dictate which size
helmet shell the assembly will fit.
Marked Liner Size is the size ink stamped on the leather.
These tend to be smaller than the liner actually is.
Actual Measure is just that. This is how large the leather
actually is and how large a head it will fit.
To select a liner, you must first determine what size your helmet
shell is. Then , locate that on the chart, then see if the liner
size will fit your head. If it won't, then you need a different
helmet. A different liner will fit your head perhaps, but it won't
fit in your helmet. Wearing just a liner with no shell will look
silly. Kinky in some circles, but pretty stupid overall.
"What if I wear a 56, 58, or a 60?" We do not
have every exact liner size. It is an inventory nightmare as it
is. If you wear a 58, then a liner that is really 59cm will not
hurt you, it will simply be slightly loose. If you have ever worn
a steel helmet for any length of time, this is normally a good
thing and more comfortable anyway.
How do I install my liner?? Click
here for instructions.
German
Liner Availability
No Restock until 2009 |
| Shell/Band
Size |
Marked Liner
Size |
Actual Measure
|
Status |
| 62 |
54 |
55cm (fits 6 1/2-6 5/8)
|
In Stock
|
| 64 |
56 |
57cm (fits 6 3/4-7)
|
Sold
Out
|
| 66 |
58 |
59cm (fits 7 1/8-7 1/4)
|
Sold
Out
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| 68 |
60 |
61cm (fits 7 1/2-7 5/8)
|
Sold
Out
|
| 70 |
62 |
60 cm (Big)
|
Sold
Out
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German Helmet Chinstrap
Exact copy of the WWII chinstraps used on wartime M35, M40 and
M42 helmets. All are hand stitched and maker marked.
$20.00
Quantity
Discounts:
10+
@ $12.50
50+ @ $8.00
100+ @ $6.00
SS-Marked
Chinstrap
The perfect finishing touch to that SS double-decal camo chicken-wire
helmet you just got off eBay!
Then they are marked with original steel stamps: "RZM"
and "SS". There is no date, allowing these to appear
authentic on any model helmet from a Model 1916 on the LAH at
the 1934 Party Rally, to a Model 1942 worn in the hedgerows
of Normandy.
$30.00
Photo shows how straps will look after aging.
Quantity Discounts:
10+
@ $17.50
50+ @ $14.00
100+ @ $10.00
Split Pin Set |
Split Pin Markings |
Helmet
Split Pins with Washers
Set of 3 (steel), split pins and slotted washers. These are an
entirely new product, contracted for ATF directly with the factory.
Unlike the previous repros sold by ATF and dozens of other vendors,
these are a perfect copy of original pins. The head of the old
repros had a thick edge and a flat head. They could be distinguished
by educated collectors when used to "restore" original
helmets. These are flawless. Maker marked and dated to boot. "D&C
1941". (Yes, that is an original WWII maker)
Set of 3: $10.00
Quantity
Discounts:
20+ @ $7.50 set
BIG NOTE #1.
We know that the date being 1941 may cause some "discerning"
clients to crap their pants at the thought of corrupting their
exalted"M35" helmet with a '41 dated pin.
Besides our opinion on the matter being a decidedly unsympathetic
"tough titty", the (should be) obvious fact is this:
once you put it on your helmet...you can't see the date anyway.
Just pretend your helmmie was refurbished after Stalingrad before
it went on to serve with distinction and win 3 Knight's Crosses
in Normandy. OK? (No, we are not going to be making pins with
other dates to match different years of helmets, before some fruitloop
asks.)
NOTE #2. Many of the pins have very slight corrosion: they
look old. They must be painted anyway. These are unpainted steel,
and it's simply a fact of life. We know that many characters will
find this a plus due to the fact that it makes them appear old
and makes them easy to sell on ebay. However, we know a few discerning
types with helmets made from pure gold or tempered platinum will
be distraught. If you're one of the latter order them from another
company. Ours will make you very unhappy. Promise.
NEW appendix to NOTE#2:
We have discovered that pins with any tarnish or corrosion are
easily and quickly cleaned up with Muratic acid. This acid is
readily available at hardware or pool supply stores. (It is used
to clean concrete.) You must water it down (at least 50-50). Use
a plastic cup, and wear a filter mask if possible. Do not do this
indoors! The fumes will kick your ass. Anyway, 20-30 seconds in
the mix will clean them totally. Rinse them well and dry them.
If you leave them wet, the residual acid will corrode them again
by the next day. If you dry them off well (paper towel, rag, etc.)
they will be peachy.
Liner Pin |
Liner Pin Set |
Helmet
Liner Pins
Aluminum pins used to hold the leather liner to the inner liner
band. These are identical copies made from originals. These are
not some sort of "similar lookin' thang" we found at
True Value hardware. Sold individually or in sets of 13; originals
require 11-13 depending on the size of the liner.
Each $1.00
Set of 13: $10.00
Quantity
Discounts:
20+ @ $7.50 set
50+ @ $5.00 set
100+ @ $4.00 set
Helmet
Liner Leather
Leather, die cut, with felt pad sewn on, 64cm long, must be
cut & fitted to your band assembly. Will accommodate
up to a 68cm band (61cm liner).
Sold Out
Sorry,
we do not offer installation on your bands.
Looking for other German
helmet components?
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430
Rose Ln.
Columbia, KY 42728 |
PHONE:
(270) 384-1965
TOLL FREE: (866) 213-3946
FAX: (270) 384-1443 |
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Copyright
At the Front/CNS, 2002
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