German Helmets for Beginners with Mannie Gentile

[@History-Secrets]

Nice helmet collection! :)

[@heavyd7224]

Haha i see you on every ww2 related videos

[@ironicchungles5912]

I see you on soo many obscure helmet related videos, guess you’re just an enthusiast like the rest of us; albeit the most famous one 😂

[@heavyd7224]

@@ironicchungles5912 do you also see Nick everyvere?

[@biopower5160]

So you are here as well :)

[@griffinpinta5529]

Why is Nick here?

[@okxtan2648]

I must commend you for speaking clear and useful language to make translation easier for newbie foreigners .. So thanks for that.

[@manniegentile6099]

You are very welcome, and thank you for your comment.

[@truthseeker7899]

I am lucky enough to have acquired a very nice German helmet with single decal at $2750 Aud. I had my grandfathers armbands valued recently at $6000, I found out that one of his armbands was SS, no one in the family is sure about his role and I have very mixed feelings myself about what he may have done. Holding history in your hands has a very potent feeling to it that’s why I love collecting.

[@wegfarir1963]

He probably didn't do anything.

[@joecanteen7428]

@@wegfarir1963 Maybe he do and get away with war crime.

[@HailWoden18]

If I had a nickel for every instance someone claimed their obscure grandfather was SS, I'd be very wealthy and able to afford such expensive military memorabilia. Not saying you're being dishonest, but it's far too common for people to claim. I doubt we all have NS ancestors, let alone SS. People mention it too often.

[@lucasqualls5086]

Absolutely beautiful collection. I love how the first helmet you introduced was an M16 with the triple color camo. The reason it's so special to me is because that exact helmet type is the very first one I ever handled. It was my friends, and it was been literally wedged inside an M1 from WW2, sitting in his dad's garage, rusting. It was a bring back from his grandfather who had fought in the Second World War. Despite the way it was being kept, the paint was still slightly visible, the chinstrap was not completely gone (though the liner was), and the helmet overall was in good condition with no cracks or holes despite being oxidized completely. For being stuck in a Florida garage inside another helmet for presumably multiple years, it was holding up fantastic. Since my discovery my friend has no place in as a piece displayed underneath his coffee table, so I'm thankful it's no longer rotting away in an (still very cool) M1.

[@mannie1952]

Thanks Lucas, I acquired that m.16 late last year. And recently a Berndorfer (!) has come in to the collection. It was stored in a damp basement and it's only the shell, but, my gosh, I never thought I'd ever have one. I've never seen one for sale, and the only one I've ever seen was about 40 years ago in a museum in west Michigan (of all places). Great story about the m.16 you found...this hobby is full of surprises. Best of luck. Mannie

[@lucasqualls5086]

@@mannie1952 Wow, I could only dream of having a Berndorfer. The rarest helmet I own is a 78th infantry Doughboy, which is still absolutely amazing, but I couldn't imagine having a Berndorfer. I'm still young though, so maybe sometime far into the future. One day I'd hope to have a collection as nice as yours.

[@olddave4833]

in the 50s those helmets used to be advertised on the back cover comic books for about 2 bucks.

[@theodorebennett7938]

Yeah, with decals of your choice!

[@aghost5281]

That’s nuts

[@olddave4833]

@@aghost5281 what was really nuts was when a person bought one and his neighbor still hated the Germans or you told your friend in school that you bought one and he labeled you a Nazi.

[@aghost5281]

@@olddave4833 I completely agree with you

[@jerryprice5484]

A note of interest on the M-45 helmet. When I was a kid I used to read DC comics Sgt. Rock. As I remember the artist depicted German soldiers wearing helmets with the roll in it. I thought all German helmets had this roll in them but it wasn't until I started collecting and researching German helmets and field gear I realized this wasn't true. You are the first one to fully explain this helmet, thanks a lot. P.S. I now own several Stahlhelm's one of them a badly rusted relic from Stalingrad. Unfortunately, none of the others have original liners, but the shells are all original.

[@larryblevins8078]

The American kevlar helmet visor rim was patterned after the German WW2 stahlhelms

[@vonsopas]

Great to see you are active once again around here sir! I gotta say you’ve been a great inspiration for me to collect militaria. Cheers!

[@Ruebenbayona]

Most helpful helmet video ive seen

[@darrellmerino]

Excellent info to get started and even to remind oneself of the telltale features.

[@vayabroder729]

What a great video. In the late 1970’s I bought a Wehrmacht M42 for $24.95 from an outfit in Virginia that was called Unique Imports. It came repainted and with two decals to put on. The liner was in great shape. I gave it to a friend who collects helmets.

[@victorcontreras9138]

What do you mean "Finally"? I could have viewed this factual video for hours! Great work you do.

[@SearTrip]

Very nice. I’m not a beginner, and I learned something in this one. Never stop learning.

[@manniegentile6099]

"...never stop learning", it's so true...and half the fun.

[@narpman7638]

Someone else has probably said this but the chinstrap bails on the various helmets can change depending on the date of the liner which can be changed between reissued helmets. PS - this was a phenomenal guide, love the work!

[@manniegentile6099]

That is a choice bit of information; I appreciate you sharing it.

[@finnmanproductions9240]

A very good clear introduction - I now understand the differences!

[@mannie1952]

Thank you.

[@williamkennedy5492]

I have an M42 in black with the eagle on its side, its in very good condition, my dad (WW2 vet) gave it to me as a kid, Last year in Thailand as a 70 year old i used it as a crash helmet on my kawasaki Vulcan, what did i notice, Wind noise a great deal of wind noise. The helmet has two stamps inside .

[@RobertoMijno]

🎉

[@RobertoMijno]

Ciao mannie, sei veramente simpatico e ti guardo sempre con grande piacere .. HERZLICHE GRUESSE !! DEIN FREUND CHRISTIAN MIJNO

[@Southernguitar74]

When I was 8 years old I saved enough money to get me a Luftwaffe M42 with liner, no chin strap. This was around 1982. I bought it from a dealer at a guns and military show in Birmingham, AL…I remember I had $40, and the man lowered the price from $80 to $60, so my father pitched in $20 and helped me bring it home. I still have it. Overall very good condition, one decal on the left side. I will never sell it, but it is kind of funny when I tell people that I was into this stuff at such a young age. I’ve always been fascinated by it, especially WW1 and WW2.

[@timkelley2555]

A most exceptional and informative presentation! Many thanks for sharing it. I must say, your video is the best I've seen on the subject of German helmets thus far. I'm subscribed! My compliments also on your exquisite collection. I look forward to seeing more of your videos. Thanks again!

[@manniegentile6099]

Tim, thank you for such kind comments.

[@brittakriep2938]

The helmets used by west german police forces ( Bundesgrenzschutz and Bereitschaftspolizei) had been called ,Einsstzhelm, schwer'. They had been in use up to early 1990s. I , german, the boyfriend of Britta , born 1965, did not knew the existence of this helmets up to 1987. In this year the famous bavarian governor/ Ministerpräsident Franz Josef Strauß surprisingly died. There was a funeral parade, where the coffin was transported on a cannon carriage, eskorted by bavarian policemen with this helmets and high boots, i was very surprised, when i saw this on TV.

[@cmaster0368]

Another great video ! You have a wealth of knowledge and a warm and humble way of relaying it. Please keep doing these great videos!

[@richardh3547]

Thank you for a very informative video. I have been a collector and enthusiast since 1973 and found your video informative and excellent for newer collectors. Kind regards, Richard

[@donniep.6119]

Great video and information. I am currently in Bordeaux France for a few months. I have found a military surplus store with German helmets in the $70 / $120 usd range. I was skeptical because before watching your video I pretty much knew only the helmet names. So with the info you shared I think will pick up a couple. Thanks again for the cool information!

[@anglishbookcraft1516]

Yeah Europe has cheaper prices

[@nicolasrossi5978]

Thanks very nice introduction. Was around German militaria a great deal as a kid and should have absorbed more. Your simple courteous way of speaking is appreciated. Mel Brooks song was a nice touch.

[@Stahl_und_Eisen]

That's a really great collection and I love how you talk

[@mannie1952]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@rodkirkbride2230]

Good concise video! All beginners should watch this. Nice collection there!!

[@JimTimber]

Mel Brooks.. a classic comic that makes me roar laughing !! 98 years old now !!.. awesome !!

[@tonyc223]

Nice presentation.

[@Nick_B_Bad]

I went to the most recent SOS w/the intent of bringing home a nice M40 or 42 single decal Army. 90% of the helmets I came across had rivets that looked meddled with or were meddled and over priced. Finally later in the day I found a beautiful M42 Kriegsmarine that was listed as an army. After getting it home tucked in the liner band was a piece of paper with a date and Cherbourg France with a name written on it.

[@manniegentile6099]

Great congratulations, Nick. Sometimes the good apples fall on our side of the fence.

[@pisaufi]

Thanks for the knowledge.

[@mannie1952]

Thank you, I'm happy to help.

[@2077barrie]

Great collection and enthusiasm from the gentleman. Loved the informative development of the German WW11 helmet.

[@emilioalcazar4170]

Your humility makes you great..good class and collection

[@iamwhoimnotimnotwhoiam4431]

I've got myself a double decal m35 polizei stahlhelm, but it's been beaded. It's in super good condition, but i'm told collectors don't like the beaded ones. Still looks awesome, and for some reason seems extremely well-made for a "reject"

[@manniegentile6099]

Tommy, don't worry about what other collectors do or don't like...it's all about your enjoyment. It sounds like you have a nice helmet there.

[@jaszczur6379]

Awesome video. It really helped me out because I wanna start a ww2 german militaria collection. Greetings from Poland!

[@austoncurry1076]

Love your attitude. Been collecting almost as long!! Thanks for taking the time.

[@Krapfelapfen]

Thank you for the very helpful video! I have right in front of me the helmet you hold in your hands at 8:35. Presumably "Flackhelfer" I am going to restore it but i am not sure what to do about the color and vague yellow lettering on it. All i can read is "ARES" on the front end . There are remnants on top and rear end. I am even not sure about it is original. What color should it be for "Flackhelfer" Blue or black? I would be happy for any suggestions. Thanks Florian

[@sixeros4435]

Wonderful collection and a fantastic video!

[@manniegentile6099]

Thank you.

[@GavTatu]

i live in jersey, about 35 years ago, me and a friend went into one of the tunnel complexes we have and pulled out about a dozen rotten helmets, the good stuff had been taken years before... we managed to clean up and body fill and paint three of them, and dumped the rest. now, i wish i'd have kept even the bad ones !

[@miniworldtv515]

Hello. Could you do a review of the Austrian M17 helmet? In camouflage with a detailed review of the helmet structure. Thank you.

[@lakeeyre8740]

Thanks for the great video. Easy to listen to and understand. I have tried to track down some details of a helmet I have. I knoe for a fact It has had 3 owners since the early/ mid 1950's, so a fake is unlikely 1. My friends father, who served with the brittish forces in WW2, who obtained it originally while stationed in germany as well as other European european areas post war and up to approx 1955 approx. 2. My friend who passed away in 2014 (who i have known for plus 25 years at 70) 3. Myself, who continually saw both items adorning a maniquin in his shed since about 1990 wh3n he decided to display it. THE Helmet has rolled edge, stamped air vent, has the origional german leather insert and strap with wire strap fastners in great condition. The conundrum is it has been repainted, over the origional paint, some time ( may be between 1945 and approx 1955????) in light phospherent green paint. The helmet came with an early East German borderguard great coat obtained at the same time. I do not know how it was obtained My friend said his dad told him ex german service men who were conscripted or volunteered for borderguard service had were required to have their painted helmets phospherent. This was pre adaptation of the more Soviet style uniform, 1945 to circa 1948 /49. There is also some unsupported ideas that occasionally helmets were painted phospherent for use in Ww2 german tunnels, bunkers , artillery emplacemnts etc for when power was interrupted to allow some visual of other personal. Nothing i have found has been able to provide any real substance to rather of these Does any one have any idea??? please let me know

[@manniegentile6099]

Lake Eyre, I have some knowledge of war-time German helmets being painted in such a manner and used by firefighters after the war. Check back as I will try to find an attribution for you. Mannie

[@t.jjohnson6317]

Good advice Thank-you

[@starlord1177]

Thanks for the info!

[@josephwilson9805]

Excellent video great job, thanks.

[@VarietyVibes-r7n]

Hi Mannie! Glad to see your still around doing helmet videos. You’ve been a help to me a few times in the past. I hope all is well and a Happy New Year to you!

[@RonCollis-np5dv]

I appreciate iate the good quality of your videos. Can you assist me with a problem? How do you identify a m35 Quist eagle thankyou Ron

[@war.helmets9636]

You've got a lot of awesome German helmets. I have a German Heer M42, Luftschutz M38 3 peice, and Afrika Corps Pith helmet. I really wanna get a camo M16 someday, I used to have 3.

[@gregcameron9953]

When you show some helmits in your collection off with music in the background which one is with the eagle at the front with a rolled bead above rim and multiple small vent holes punched through called? My father found one overseas and handed it down to me upon his passing. I haven't been able to locate the type and you happen to have one

[@mannie1952]

Hi Greg. That is a "Luftschutz" helmet, used by civilians who were involved in air-raid protection, rescue and recovery.

[@robkettle4544]

Fascinating video, very informative. I have a collection of M16 helmets including a camo. And several visor caps and soft caps. Keep up the great work

[@steelhelmetveteran3966]

VERY NICE PRESENTATION FROM SOMEONE WHO SEEMS LIKE A VERY NICE GUY !

[@manniegentile6099]

Thanks Steel Helmet...right back at ya. :-)

[@hansdampf2732]

Wirklich gut erklärt - Nicht nur für Beginner! Danke für den Mehrwert schaffenden Beitrag 😀

[@zookster66]

Nice collection and one of the VERY best summary videos on German helmets for beginning collectors - superbly done! - I will recommend this top shelf video to others who ask me the basics on German helmet design and collecting. Nice job Mannie, and your display of helmets is absolutely 2nd to none! ... I love it. I am contemplating tearing down all my shelves and following the inspiration you provide! For new collectors, I agree with your point, start out simple with relics and take one's time to upgrade. Dan

[@manniegentile6099]

zookster, thank you for the very kind words.

[@hanssutter3080]

Great show Mannie very informative.

[@Hanner_Tenry]

Mannie, I just discovered and watched this video, and wow, what a fantastic presentation. Your thoroughness and care was very enjoyable. Thank you very much, and I look forward to seeing more of your videos!

[@nickmolinaro7987]

Awesome video! As a new collector, I love all the information and knowledge! Thank you!

[@mannie1952]

Thank you Nick

[@nickmolinaro7987]

mannie If you have any British or Canadian helmets too, a small video of them would be amazing

[@aghost5281]

Very beautiful helmets Sir

[@danielmartinezcaravia2061]

Hola amigo,tengo un m42 tambien de excavacion,y quisiera ver si me puedes decir como frenar que se siga oxidando,ya que se caen de vez en cuando cascarillas,como pequeñas escamas.. lei en algun sitio que quitarle con un cepillo el oxido lo mas posible y despues darle con aceite wd40 creo que se llama. muchas gracias y saludos

[@anthonybouchard7761]

Thank you for this video. It's great!

[@HarborLockRoad]

I remember that the first German helmet i ever had was a size 57 m-35 from unique imports in the 1970s, that, for $39.95, came with a free packet of " Rommel's goggles". Anybody else remember that ad in all the ww2 magazines??? I think it had been a former ww2 helmet reissued postwar to the bundesgrenzschutze, still had the guys name inside, " Ragenhildraud".

[@manniegentile6099]

Dave, not three feet from me is a pair of those goggles that, I too, got from Unique Imports. Those were the days.

[@GG_Allin1109]

I have an original M16 that I wasn’t to restore with an original reissued m35 liner and chinstrap, how much would that cost and where could I find one?

[@luckyluciano2395]

I got my first m35 and first German helmet in great unrusted condition. It's apfelgrüne with a foily feeling which feels so different than my fake. I have a rusty one I lifted rust off revealing a heer decal. Same look. Heavy. Good liner. I traded a flight helmet and a repro FJ helmet (the buyer knew it was fake, he liked it. Probably for the real nice pilots Lkpw101 with goggles. I had a $3000 Hermann Göring plate stolen but I don't care. I have my first real German helmet. I was diagnosed with cancer and got big into history and started with an American shell. Now have a lot of stuff. So I'm happy. Oh BUY EAST GERMAN! IT IS GETTING RARER!

[@newbeginnings8566]

Would love to have sound on both channels (listening with headphones) as it spoils your much appreciated videos.. A WW1 helmet vidéo special would be great... Please

[@theodorebennett7938]

Nice video Mannie. Very informative for the beginner (me) and I like your collection.

[@mannie1952]

Thank you, Theodore. Keep at it.

[@starfish-tw9kr]

Great Collection Sir. Thank you to show us all this nice helmets. Habe a nice day, And greetings from Germany

[@jbondjedi91]

Wondering if you could provide a little detail about the helmet at 12:08? Recently found this particular helmet in my Grandfather’s home. Dual decal, punched ventilation hole and rolled rim. Any information would be appreciated! Thank you for the informative video

[@MilitaryCollectibles]

What a superb video!

[@richardcharlton-taylor6024]

Really interesting. You are very generous in recommending 'experts' on the internet especially on Facebook. I'm in my 70's and have been a collector and seller of Militaria for many of those years. My main concern is that there are rather too many so called helmet 'experts' who talk through their bottoms. Consequently, and I'm trying not to be patronising here, too many newer collectors, almost always American, pay way over the odds. You are quite right about cost but as you will know over 24,000,000 were made and a hefty % are still around. The secret is to find them. My biggest 'gripe' is no-one, other than me (conceited I know) ever seems to understand that the Germans, (Allies as well) recycled and refurbished on an industrial scale: Thus an M35 might have an alu/steel/double headband from a later model. Pigskin/sheep/cattle leather. Different bales, chinstraps marked or not. I could rant on but I won't. Mix and match, absolutely nothing historically wrong with that, that's what all Combatant Nations did. To say, as so many do that the parts of a helmet are not appropriate to that model mean that it is not original is 'bollocks', please excuse my French! Like saying a bayonet blade batch number that doesn't match that on the scabbard isn't genuine is '********' as well.

[@manniegentile6099]

Richard, thank you for such a thoughtful, and thought-provoking comment. I have always shared your view on the mix-and-match nature of military materiel; and that too much is made of "all original parts" when there are abundant photos of salvage heaps of helmets on their way to be refurbished and reissued.

[@heavyd7224]

Do you have a webside or Facebook where i can see your produckts

[@manniegentile6099]

@@heavyd7224 Hello, I am not a dealer, but my blog is: combat helmets.blogspot.com

[@heavyd7224]

@@manniegentile6099 in norway u can buy a re issue helmet for 75usd But in a rusgift condition

[@heavyd7224]

@@manniegentile6099 do you Now where you can buy shells?

[@asbost01]

Very informative....thank you very much!

[@AnthonyBerardis-r1p]

Great presentation bud! Can you possibly give me any ideas on where I should look for legit ww2 german helmets please. I am in the northeast and getting back into this after a hiatus.

[@archey22]

in argentina ,same this helmets "type german ww2" but another material ,no stell

[@lindseyb0303]

I have one with E 5 2 stamped on the inside of helmet. I think it' might be WW1 version. I guess KZbin doesn't allow anyone to share photos or I would .

[@johnk.8688]

Good video I've seen some of your earlier videos of the Navy steel pots...I've been collecting steel helmets for about 2 years now.. I just assume most German helmets are some kind of a reproduction anyway but on the other hand I did pick up some luftschultz helmets and some Civic police helmets that were still affordable for actual world war II German pieces and still looking for anything steel..

[@manniegentile6099]

John, very generally speaking, a German m.42 helmet that is a total plain-jane with neither decals or any camouflage, or any other thing that will set it apart, is usually legit.

[@jamesmcdaniel70]

Nice video. Thank you!

[@ziggy88stardst]

Great video. Great collection.

[@stuka_bly4t102]

I’ve recently bought an here m40 stahlhelm, but I’ve noticed there is something off as it’s painted apfelgrun and it’s double decal like an m35, while it should benfeldgrau single decal. My guess is it’s maybe been restored incorrectly, but I’m not sure and I don’t wanna ruin an original helmet as if it’s been restored I would like to paint it feldgrau to regime it original look. Could you pls help me?

[@j33pfyn4tik6]

Very good informative job sir! Thanks!

[@anglishbookcraft1516]

This is mostly American prices as when I moved from the US to Europe I got my hands on an original double decal heer m35 with original paint and liner band, and when I wanted to sell it it never sold. And eventually after months of lowering the price someone was interested in it at last only at the 300€ price bracket. Finding original shells in good shape here runs you 150 or sometimes even less. Funny that AMERICAN helmets and gear costs a fortune to get though.

[@jeffsmith2022]

Mannie, I have a helmet my Dad sent home to my Grandmother from Normandy, France during the D Day invasion. It had the Herman Goering Division design on it which was not a decal but a painted piece of aluminum?, shield shaped, exactly like the one on your Afrika Corps desert helmet...the liner is in great shape, the straps, not so much...Could you tell me more about the H.G. designation?...

[@manniegentile6099]

Hi Jeff, Sadly I have very little expertise on the finer points of German helmets. I have heard of this metallic shields on helmets, but I don't know anything about them. Sorry. Mannie

[@andresb.l5015]

I love Spanish helmet... I love 250 Spanish division blue 🇪🇸👍

[@eushapti]

I just ran across your channel. Absolutely fantastic information! Thank you!!

[@jimrutherford2773]

You're correct about educating yourself to collect with confidence. I had to laugh because the one book you held up, a great book too, cost more than you paid for any single helmet you acquired.

[@williammcgrath5943]

Seems like a very nice man! Just wish he would have done one talk on WW1 different helmets? Spiked and steel! Maybe someday soon?

[@manniegentile6099]

Soon!

[@rich8305]

Hi Minnie, great presentation I have had for 52 a German helmet which is cracked but which has SS written on the degraded liner Would I be able to photograph it for you to asses the type accurately?

[@joseivofernandesdeoliveira2407]

Excellent explanations! congratulations! There are many fake German helmets, I bought one myself!

[@codyydoherty2811]

Great educational video, seeing your collection makes me think of the helmets history, who wore it? What were they like?, did they survive the war? Each one belonged to an individual who experienced horrors, victory, losses. The stories they could tell. Thanks for the video regards mike

[@manniegentile6099]

Mike, I know exactly what you mean. Thanks for the comments.

[@worldwar2historyandgear970]

I need some help. Today I saw a helmet in a surplus store. This helmet had the standard eagle and swastika on the left side, and had a deaths head skull on the right. Is this original? I collect American militaria so I have no clue what I'm looking at.

[@basshunter670]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm just starting collecting and I have one Finnish helmet so far and I wanted to add a m42 and now I will be looking Into the Norwegian helmets. This is a great video for beginners like myself! Thank you!!!!

[@leedobson]

Great info and a great guy

[@hrngh-ys6lb]

i just got an m35-40 but it doesn’t fit, is there any way to take out the cork spacers on the inside to make it smaller?

[@biopower5160]

Really helpfull video! Thx

[@krestinalitovka7288]

loved this video good job.

[@bladerunner9646]

Thank you that was very interesting.

[@pilotmiami1]

bravo.Thenks

[@1220b]

M42 is the better looking helmet. I Love the flared rim look.

[@MrPDoff]

Very informative. Nice collection

[@csaint6780]

thanx Mannie, very informative!!

[@glennrussellapura6403]

Awesome collection. Thanks for the info.

[@VerneKannianen-bi2tk]

Do the original German helmets and modern replica weight the same?

[@mikeformosa2217]

Amazing video

[@JimTimber]

Awesome video.. and very interesting ! ..nothing is as disturbing as when I look into a mirror ! lol.. so these lids were a refreshing relief ! lol

[@wmbchristie]

Terrific information! Thank you!!

[@mannie1952]

Thanks Bill, I'm really glad that you enjoyed it.

[@Frederik19951995]

Is it possible to determine the shell size? My size stamp has rotted away