East German M56/66 Helmet

The M56 helmet was adopted by the East German army in 1957. However the first prototype was a replacement helmet for the Wehrmacht during WW2. It was first tested as early as 1944 and offered better protection and was easier to produce. It also lent itself for better concealment. However the "B/II" ( as it was known) was rejected by Hitler on the grounds that the M35, M40 and the M42 was a symbol of the German struggle. This is the 2nd pattern used by the NVA ( Nationale Volksarmee ). The 1st pattern had a wartime M31 style liner attached by three rivets, 2nd pattern which used M56 shells retro fitted with the new style liner, retaining the three rivets and the final third pattern with the new style liner and no visible rivets. This example's shell is dated 1958. The liner has the soldiers name written onto it. The helmet is in excellent condition.

Code: 69002