While model-building has been a life-long avocation the collecting/gathering of Third Reich steel helmets is also a huge passion. This interest grew naturally from building armor models as the two really do go hand-in-hand. This is my small collection of Third Reich steel helmets...

Cody

that is a very nice collection and it is a pleasure to see them protected.

Awesome collection!

WOW!!

That makes my meager collection of about maybe twenty five items seem like a prize in a cereal box!

Though my real jewel is my M-1917 US steel helmet, really a great helmet in all original condition, still faintly readable fitting tag, and excellent (and still in one piece, though very slightly cracking) chinstrap! But what really seperates it from other helmets, is that I bought it for about $47.00 on ebay!

Hi David,

Thanks. I like to collect painted doughboys as well - only have 11 of em' including this estate-sourced 2nd ID.

Thanks again,
Cody

Beautiful Collection Cody! Thanks for sharing!!

That is a VERY nice collection! My uncle gave his helmet to his son, my cousin, so I should ask him if he still has it, I forgot all about it until I saw your Topic.

Awesome collection Cody!

Amazing collection of helmets Cody. Looks great on display.

Jordan,

The collection has changed a bit which is fairly normal as collections are typically in a state of flux but the helmets are all original and the flag is NOT KM-marked so is likely regular infantry.

Thanks,
Cody

Hi Jordan,

15 helmets have been sold while 5 have been added. The overall quantity has gone way down but the overall value(and quality) has remained the same as the newly acquired pieces are quite significant.

Thanks,
Cody

That is one BEAUTIFUL collection! I sometimes dabble in helmet collecting, but not to that extent. Those are awesome! Most of mine are from the cold war era, as those are what is affordable to me right now . I do have a fondness for the Soviet-style tanker helmets, though. Again, that is one fine grouping! Thanks for sharing.

What a superb collection, I will admit to some jealousy here! But it's nice when something ends up with someone who recognises their worth & will treasure them, but also put them on display & not hide them & sit on their value.
In the 2nd picture I note that there's a M1918 "Cavalry" helmet, but with Luftwaffe eagle - that must be pretty unique I'd think!

Thanks guys.

That Luftwaffe M-18dd cut-out is possibly the only example in the world. Not saying it IS the only one but none of my helmet-collecting associates(many of whom are the authors of reference books about TR helmets) know of or have ever heard of another example. The Luft was sold to an advanced collector of 'transitionals' in order to help fund another significant TR toy. About a year ago I decided to focus on combat-style helmets and sold all my non-combat helmets with the Luft cut-out being the last non-combat to go.

The image below is the gathering as of 03/25/06.

Thanks again,
Cody

Amazing!!!
How did you go about collecting those????

Cheers
John

Hi John,

Many years of networking. Here is a current photo of the gathering...

Cody

Hi Cody

I have really enjoyed watching your collection evolve lately.

I thought I had enough hobbies but your collection has inspired me to consider entering another one.

I really enjoy the WW2 German helmets however I know I really need to upskill my knowledge on them first.

I know there are serious collectors here in New Zealand but none I know personally.

Thanks again for sharing your collection/knowledge and for the pure inspiration.

Regards


Sean