Fun fact: The helmet did actually see "action" being used by nazi soldiers in Berlin in WW2. Memoirs recorded in diaries of some Soviet soldiers suggest the new helmets given to the Infantry School on the outskirts of Berlin for testing, received their baptism of fire when Soviet Forces first entered the Berlin Capital in the Spring of 1945. Reportedly, Russian Troops encountered two Infantry Companies from the Doeblitz Infantry School. The Dresden Museum has, in its NVA Display, an example of a model BII Stahlhelm, believed to be a survivor of the last ditch effort by the Wehrmacht against the Russians, as they unsuccessfully strove to fend off the invaders as they entered Berlin.
I actually picked one of those up when I was around 10 at a gunshow for 40 of my own dollars I got for doing yardwork. Still own it, didnt realize how good a deal I got at the time.
got a M56/76 personally, and i love it's design (not only because of it's futuristic and epurated shape) but also the efficience of it. also, a hidden pro of it is that, if you try to airsoft with one of thoose , the empty space beetween the front of the shell and your forehead is wide enough for airsoft googles (meaning that, when wearing your airsoft gogles and then putting the helmet, the sloped front will overlap with the upper-rim of your googles, making a perfect coverage, without pushing the googles on your nose [as opposed to most traditionnal helmet designs] and without leaving any uncovered gap. so, i m a fan of this design. however, the one i got was slightly rusty (not deeply fortunately, just a ultra thin layer on rust on the side, so, i could remoove it easily and the helmet is "safe" once again) but because of that, i wonder if someone kows the name of the kind of dark grey painting that was originally used for thoose stahlhelm (as i would like to repaint the areas and prevent air from entering in contact with the steel, in order to prevent the rust from coming back and to keep this helmet safe from degradation)
A bit beyond the topic, as this is just about the helmet, but it's nonetheless interesting how the DDR ditched the stahlhelm design for being too strongly associated with the past regime, yet at the same time specifically chose to stick to the classics when it came to NVA's uniform designs, in a deliberate attempt give an impression of them being the proper continuation of the German military tradition, in contrast to the Bundeswehr using Western (i.e. mostly US) designed gear.
True, the East German military was much closer to the original Wermacht than their W. German counterpart, as a way of distinguishing themselves from the W. Germans and giving them more legitimacy. The idea being that the East German army was a truly "German" force as compared to the West German army which was nothing more than a US/NATO clone serving a puppet regime. Rather ironic.
@@MikeB128 The sense was that it was a design that was neither US (as in the Bndeswehr) nor Soviet while being German (to give the impression that the GDR was the the legit Germany and not a US clone) yet not Stalhelm.
Отказ от старой модели м35 (м40, м42), планировался еще в нацисткой Германии по обьективным обстоятельствам. Армия ГДР перешла к м56, продолжая военную мысль вермахта, желавшего перейти на новый шлем.
The West German Bundeswehr was using American M1 helmets. Originally they were actual American helmets from WW2 delivered by the US, later they were replaced by German made ones (Stahlhelm M1 and M1A1) that were in the style of the American M1, but with modifications. They were replaced by the Gefechtshelm M92 (combat helmet) in the 1990s. The Bundesgrenzschutz (BGS) actually used the old style German helmet. M40/51 and later M40/53 to be precise. They were changed on the interiors, and the chin straps, and were painted in dark green (RAL 6012). The BGS were paramilitaries, some kind of auxiliary army to defend West Germany. Bundesgrenzschutz translates as "Federal Border Guard". The East Germans wanted to create the vision that they are the only true German army, using traditional German equipment. Unlike the "Kasernierte Volkspolizei" (East German paramilitaries) that used Soviet style uniforms. And in their minds the West German Bundeswehr were American henchmen. On the other hand, using traditional equipment did not help them from getting the "you're still just Russian sock puppets" comments from West Germany.
They have a nice ring to them too. Would be interesting to know the steel composition. They ring almost like they have an aligned grain structure , similar to some of the earlier Soviet spades.
Just found an M56 helmet. From the info on your video I now see that mine is a size II, made in Dec. 1960. Sadly, it has the later style liner.... Only really bought it as I noted that prices were getting strange on these while I was looking for more of the Swedish M37 & M26 helmets that I buy to retro-convert back to WW2 spec,. for use in WW2 Finnish impressions. Great video & thanks for the info on the earlier liner versions.
- I also have one almost identical to yours, but mine was manufactured in December 1961. Of course it also has a later liner system in leather and plastic. It also doesn't have any rivets, it seems that at some stage towards the end of the war, they took surplus old shells and put them into production. - I mainly collect Vietnam era M1s, but I would also like to add European helmets to my collection, the Swedish M37 is probably something I would like to have in the future. * Edit: It has 2 rivets on the front, in the many years of owning it I rarely removed its cover, so I forgot it had 2 rivets. LOL
Always liked the “ Uncle Bens Rice pattern “ helmet cover. I really dig these videos taking an in depth look at individual pieces of militaria ! ... good stuff !
I managed to find 3 of these at a flea market one day. 2 of them had swastikas painted on them for whatever reason. I bought all three for $60, and am currently restoring them
Mike, your spot on. You stated the history of the DDR NVA M56/76 accurately. An excellent,insightful informarive video! The East German technician who got the ball rolling, bringing this excellent M44/ M45 Bll helmet design plans out of storage was a man named, Mr.Erich Kiesen, he had a spot on brilliant idea. To resurrect the Whermacht's experimental M44/45 Bll helmet for the newly established GDR NVA. To become the M56/76 helmet. Which various testing results have shown to be the most overall best protective Steel/ Titanium composite helmet design of the time. Many knowledgeable people on tve subject of Military Helmets have stated that overall the East German M56/76 Helmet is the best designed Military Combat helmet in history. I agree with that assessment. As I have priviously tested the DDR NVA M56/76 helmet in Germany while I was in the US Army and later personally worn this outstanding helmet in my Service time in the Estonian Defense Forces Army. So much so that in 1995 I recommend the M56/76 to be an alternative helmet to the old US Kevlar scrap helmets that were showing up at the time for the then fledging Estonian Defense Forces Army that I was serving in to develop it's defensive capabilities.
Awesome find man! I just recently picked up a M56/76 size 3 shell. Witch that’s in itself is not interesting. What is interesting it’s been panted a battle ship grey. It was issued to the Volksmarine to use aboard ship.
20 years ago I was in a flea market in Passau, and amongst other various militaria and misc items I came across a 1957 dated one with the early "Wehrmacht" 3 color NVA decal. Long story short its on my top shelf and my wife will have to figure out what to do with it when I'm dead
@@MikeB128 germany still got alot of NVa stuff on flea markets i'm quite happy to own 2 Summer BDUs in G56 and G60. i don't want to mention my hunt for an UTV AK Mag pouch
I don’t collect Cold War era stuff but I didn’t know East German helmets are hard to find? .... I’m pretty sure there’s a few at my local militaria shop ! .... looks like I may try and snatch em up !
@@MikeB128 I’ll definitely take a look under the hood when I go there, odds are they’re probably M56/76s. Either way, I’ll probably pick them up. Thanks for inspiring me to spend more money 😆
@@MikeB128 yeah I know that. Of course you will come across the later model more often, but you can see the two first models on every flea market here. And the best thing about it is that most people here don't see any difference
Actually, Mike, I have to disagree about the strichtarn pattern covers. By far most photos show that the most common thing was a helmet with a net on it, and many times not even that, just the bare helmet. Otherwise, great video about the DDR's iconic helmet. Fun fact: the helmet was not allowed to be painted white for winter, so troops would place pieces of white paper under the net to break up the outline and provide some winter camo.
You can disagree all you want. There are a lot of photos of NVA troops with these hoods as covers. Sure, it wasn't done all the time, but it was a significant enough number to warrant mentioning the use.
The white paper was more likely news paper, check the close up photos, the Hoods were used, nets ( several models “ more often it seems in photos, Artillery and non Assault troops mostly had bare helmets in the exercise photos. The hood fits the Winter hat if wished, and was used as a camouflage on tank helmets by Rece troops as needed as well as helmet covers. The chin strap is an early model, no additional leather on the metal work.
3 of my 6 east-german helmets are like this one. One of the 3 is like new and I got it on ebay germany for 1 euro. I also have the rare helmet cover in blumentarn.
After the wall came down the surplus stores were full of 56/76 helmets. I bought a couple for under $10
Fun fact: The helmet did actually see "action" being used by nazi soldiers in Berlin in WW2. Memoirs recorded in diaries of some Soviet soldiers suggest the new helmets given to the Infantry School on the outskirts of Berlin for testing, received their baptism of fire when Soviet Forces first entered the Berlin Capital in the Spring of 1945. Reportedly, Russian Troops encountered two Infantry Companies from the Doeblitz Infantry School. The Dresden Museum has, in its NVA Display, an example of a model BII Stahlhelm, believed to be a survivor of the last ditch effort by the Wehrmacht against the Russians, as they unsuccessfully strove to fend off the invaders as they entered Berlin.
There is footage from the Deutsche Wochenschau reels of one of the prototypes being used in action.
Which number of wochenschau
@@kwestionariusz1 nr 733
I actually picked one of those up when I was around 10 at a gunshow for 40 of my own dollars I got for doing yardwork. Still own it, didnt realize how good a deal I got at the time.
Are you sure it's in original configuration like this? Most are updated with the plastic liners.
@@MikeB128 after a closer look, its marked as being manufactured in February of 1988, and does have a plastic liner.
got a M56/76 personally, and i love it's design (not only because of it's futuristic and epurated shape) but also the efficience of it. also, a hidden pro of it is that, if you try to airsoft with one of thoose , the empty space beetween the front of the shell and your forehead is wide enough for airsoft googles (meaning that, when wearing your airsoft gogles and then putting the helmet, the sloped front will overlap with the upper-rim of your googles, making a perfect coverage, without pushing the googles on your nose [as opposed to most traditionnal helmet designs] and without leaving any uncovered gap.
so, i m a fan of this design. however, the one i got was slightly rusty (not deeply fortunately, just a ultra thin layer on rust on the side, so, i could remoove it easily and the helmet is "safe" once again) but because of that, i wonder if someone kows the name of the kind of dark grey painting that was originally used for thoose stahlhelm (as i would like to repaint the areas and prevent air from entering in contact with the steel, in order to prevent the rust from coming back and to keep this helmet safe from degradation)
A bit beyond the topic, as this is just about the helmet, but it's nonetheless interesting how the DDR ditched the stahlhelm design for being too strongly associated with the past regime, yet at the same time specifically chose to stick to the classics when it came to NVA's uniform designs, in a deliberate attempt give an impression of them being the proper continuation of the German military tradition, in contrast to the Bundeswehr using Western (i.e. mostly US) designed gear.
Like everything communist, it makes zero sense, and is totally subjective to what a few people deem "okay".
True, the East German military was much closer to the original Wermacht than their W. German counterpart, as a way of distinguishing themselves from the W. Germans and giving them more legitimacy. The idea being that the East German army was a truly "German" force as compared to the West German army which was nothing more than a US/NATO clone serving a puppet regime. Rather ironic.
@@MikeB128 The sense was that it was a design that was neither US (as in the Bndeswehr) nor Soviet while being German (to give the impression that the GDR was the the legit Germany and not a US clone) yet not Stalhelm.
Отказ от старой модели м35 (м40, м42), планировался еще в нацисткой Германии по обьективным обстоятельствам. Армия ГДР перешла к м56, продолжая военную мысль вермахта, желавшего перейти на новый шлем.
Mark Felton addresses this topic in his video: The East German Arny - The New Wehrmacht?
The West German Bundeswehr was using American M1 helmets. Originally they were actual American helmets from WW2 delivered by the US, later they were replaced by German made ones (Stahlhelm M1 and M1A1) that were in the style of the American M1, but with modifications. They were replaced by the Gefechtshelm M92 (combat helmet) in the 1990s. The Bundesgrenzschutz (BGS) actually used the old style German helmet. M40/51 and later M40/53 to be precise. They were changed on the interiors, and the chin straps, and were painted in dark green (RAL 6012). The BGS were paramilitaries, some kind of auxiliary army to defend West Germany. Bundesgrenzschutz translates as "Federal Border Guard".
The East Germans wanted to create the vision that they are the only true German army, using traditional German equipment. Unlike the "Kasernierte Volkspolizei" (East German paramilitaries) that used Soviet style uniforms. And in their minds the West German Bundeswehr were American henchmen. On the other hand, using traditional equipment did not help them from getting the "you're still just Russian sock puppets" comments from West Germany.
They have a nice ring to them too. Would be interesting to know the steel composition. They ring almost like they have an aligned grain structure , similar to some of the earlier Soviet spades.
Just found an M56 helmet. From the info on your video I now see that mine is a size II, made in Dec. 1960.
Sadly, it has the later style liner....
Only really bought it as I noted that prices were getting strange on these while I was looking for more of the Swedish M37 & M26 helmets that I buy to retro-convert back to WW2 spec,. for use in WW2 Finnish impressions.
Great video & thanks for the info on the earlier liner versions.
- I also have one almost identical to yours, but mine was manufactured in December 1961. Of course it also has a later liner system in leather and plastic. It also doesn't have any rivets, it seems that at some stage towards the end of the war, they took surplus old shells and put them into production.
- I mainly collect Vietnam era M1s, but I would also like to add European helmets to my collection, the Swedish M37 is probably something I would like to have in the future.
* Edit: It has 2 rivets on the front, in the many years of owning it I rarely removed its cover, so I forgot it had 2 rivets. LOL
I picked up an East German M56/76 about two years ago and I’m really glad I did they increased like %150 in price.
Always liked the “ Uncle Bens Rice pattern “ helmet cover. I really dig these videos taking an in depth look at individual pieces of militaria ! ... good stuff !
I managed to find 3 of these at a flea market one day. 2 of them had swastikas painted on them for whatever reason. I bought all three for $60, and am currently restoring them
They came with 3 covers too, a net, the stricktarn cover, and a white cover with the DDR flag on it
Mike, your spot on. You stated the history of the DDR NVA M56/76 accurately. An excellent,insightful informarive video!
The East German technician who got the ball rolling, bringing this excellent M44/ M45 Bll helmet design plans out of storage was a man named, Mr.Erich Kiesen, he had a spot on brilliant idea.
To resurrect the Whermacht's experimental M44/45 Bll helmet for the newly established GDR NVA. To become the M56/76 helmet. Which various testing results have shown to be the most overall best protective Steel/ Titanium composite helmet design of the time.
Many knowledgeable people on tve subject of Military Helmets have stated that overall the East German M56/76 Helmet is the best designed Military Combat helmet in history.
I agree with that assessment.
As I have priviously tested the DDR NVA M56/76 helmet in Germany while I was in the US Army and later personally worn this outstanding helmet in my Service time in the Estonian Defense Forces Army.
So much so that in 1995 I recommend the M56/76 to be an alternative helmet to the old US Kevlar scrap helmets that were showing up at the time for the then fledging Estonian Defense Forces Army that I was serving in to develop it's defensive capabilities.
I love your german pronunciation :D so spot on!
Eh, I try.
I got the 56/76 version for 25 bucks at a flea market, I also managed to get the strichtarn cover for 5 bucks at the same flea market
Always thought that the british tortoise helmet was very similiar in look and design concept to this
I can see that.
Awesome !
Call me crazy but I love this helmet. It's iconic but for me on the sense that it's synonymous with the most competent army of the Warsaw Pact
Warsaw Treaty Organization*
Awesome find man! I just recently picked up a M56/76 size 3 shell. Witch that’s in itself is not interesting. What is interesting it’s been panted a battle ship grey. It was issued to the Volksmarine to use aboard ship.
I have one whose shell is from 58 but the liner was refubrished. It has the 3 rivets and is size II too.
Yeah those are worth quite a bit less than the original like this one, but are still awesome pieces!
I found a type 1 helmet at the Ramsteim exchange in germany. It has a 7 tongue liner instead of the traditional 8.
20 years ago I was in a flea market in Passau, and amongst other various militaria and misc items I came across a 1957 dated one with the early "Wehrmacht" 3 color NVA decal. Long story short its on my top shelf and my wife will have to figure out what to do with it when I'm dead
"(ET) Eisenhüttenwerke Thale", Thale would be pronounced 'Tah-leh'. The rest was good enough to understand.
Yep, figured I butchered that. Forgot about the soft A in German. It's been a while lol.
Very cool
*unfolded stahlhelm*
Really jealous over here dude. Great find.
Thanks! It took over 10 years of searching, but was worth the wait.
i got one East german Shell made in june 1961 but the liner seems to be retrofitted.
for 20€ back then, i should not complain.
Sounds like a 56/66. As far as rarity, those are second most desirable to a collector. Nice piece.
@@MikeB128 germany still got alot of NVa stuff on flea markets i'm quite happy to own 2 Summer BDUs in G56 and G60. i don't want to mention my hunt for an UTV AK Mag pouch
My Great grandfather after World War II was in DDR
I thought you were going to shoot it for a minute!
I already did....Twice.....Look at my ballistic test playlist.
I don’t collect Cold War era stuff but I didn’t know East German helmets are hard to find? .... I’m pretty sure there’s a few at my local militaria shop ! .... looks like I may try and snatch em up !
Again, original M56s like this are very hard to find, the later M56/66 and 56/76 are more common but getting more difficult to find.
@@MikeB128 I’ll definitely take a look under the hood when I go there, odds are they’re probably M56/76s. Either way, I’ll probably pick them up. Thanks for inspiring me to spend more money 😆
You certainly won't regret it.
Cool helmet
SEGMC approved!
Just got one for about $17 in a very lucky find. It was labeled “Postwar German Helmet” unissued condition
You sure it's an M56 and not an M56/66 or 56/76?
How do I get this I want it now please tell me
i got one of these for christmas
Yeah, I'll bet it's a 56/76........These are almost impossible to find nowadays...
I found the M56.....but at what cost?
What are you talking about?
@@MikeB128 you must have sold your soul to find one in that condition
@@Realg-ls7wk Actually got one heck of a deal. $95 shipped from Brazil. It pays to be patient and wait. Totally worth the wait.
@@MikeB128 Damn that is a steal , love the content man
East Germany up to some club penguin bullshit
The East German Stahlhelm was kinda rare in Vietnam and Turkey
Oh yeah? It was rare in Vietnam? Please tell me more since you're apparently an Internet Expert.
It is a known fact that Turkey was given a hugh amount of the DDR NVA M56/76 helmets along with Mpik East German AK's and other items.
Truth of the matter was, Hitler fervently DID NOT WANT IT because , in his words, the helmet "appeared too foreign"!
Source on that?
I live in eastern Germany and they are soo common here.
The original models like this? Or the later 56/66 and 56/76? There is a major difference in price.
@@MikeB128 yeah I know that. Of course you will come across the later model more often, but you can see the two first models on every flea market here. And the best thing about it is that most people here don't see any difference
Mine just has the roman numerals and a 58, no letters or anything, what would that mean?
That would be the size and the year........
Im so sorry for anyone who ever tried to say: "Grenztruppen der deutschen demokratischen Republik" three times quickly.
It looks like Juggernaut's helmet.
Actually, Mike, I have to disagree about the strichtarn pattern covers. By far most photos show that the most common thing was a helmet with a net on it, and many times not even that, just the bare helmet. Otherwise, great video about the DDR's iconic helmet. Fun fact: the helmet was not allowed to be painted white for winter, so troops would place pieces of white paper under the net to break up the outline and provide some winter camo.
You can disagree all you want. There are a lot of photos of NVA troops with these hoods as covers. Sure, it wasn't done all the time, but it was a significant enough number to warrant mentioning the use.
The white paper was more likely news paper, check the close up photos, the Hoods were used, nets ( several models “ more often it seems in photos, Artillery and non Assault troops mostly had bare helmets in the exercise photos.
The hood fits the Winter hat if wished, and was used as a camouflage on tank helmets by Rece troops as needed as well as helmet covers.
The chin strap is an early model, no additional leather on the metal work.
Ich habe 1972 bis 1975 in der NVA gedient. ES gab damals noch keinen Helmüberzug und auch kein Netz für den Helm.
Unsere Stahlhelm.
Its normal Hitler said no : it seems like a soviet helmet...
Flip it over and do a pork fried rice 👍
2nd
3 of my 6 east-german helmets are like this one. One of the 3 is like new and I got it on ebay germany for 1 euro. I also have the rare helmet cover in blumentarn.
Congrats. They are easier to get in Europe for sure.