Stahlhelm 1916-1945 - German Steel Helmet

[@MilitaryHistoryVisualized]

Like the content? Consider support me on Patreon - patreon.com/mhv every single dollar helps! >> Errors & Corrections

[@robertjarman3703]

Military History Visualized I heard you say Prussian War Ministry, not the German War Ministry. Is this like how the British had one king and yet had a bunch of dominions which each had their own armies and their own Prime Ministers like Newfoundland, Canada, Australia, Orange Free State, New Zealand, etc?

[@fanta4897]

Hi, I just wanted to ask: you said that most militaries did not issue helmets, but soft caps and so their replacement was imminent due to lack of protection. However german army used Pickelhaube, it might not be very protective against shrapnels, but it was more fit for trenches than soft caps(protection from bumping your head into something, protection against dirt falling from the sky because of artillery, slight protection against melee weapons), and so I want to ask: why was the need for steel helmet so high that they had a new helmet designed rather than upgrading the Pickelhaube(make it from metal and get rid of the spike and you have a good enough helmet)?

[@Sheehan1]

I think each of the German länder in that era had its own domestic political bureaucracy. Interestingly, they also all had their own “diplomatic” staff representing the “sovereign entities” in Berlin.

[@9.2.197]

You forgot the M45 B/II …

[@lavrentivs9891]

@Frank Teryngel Making a pickelhaube out of metal would still mean that you had to make a new helmet out of steel, but also design it to be decorative rather than functional.

[@sevenproxies4255]

The most badass looking helmet of WWII.

[@nietname2468]

Swiss Version though. Granted we just repurposed the Sturmhaube.

[@Marc83Aus]

And iraq.

[@rogerscott8211]

and WW1

[@sevenproxies4255]

@John Fulghieri Yes, because it looks like a kitchen utensil rather than a soldiers helmet.

[@ramdom_9]

The brits one looks more like they were flushing some gold and put their plates on their heads when they heard germans coming. And the French were afraid of Flammenwerfer...

[@MilesStratton]

I have gotten some first hand experience using the Stahlhelm (in this case M35) ,in comparison to other helmets of the era, during reenactments, the Stahlhelm was easily the most comfortable of the helmets while also providing excellent visibility and protection. The US helmets are comfortable but lack protection of the neck area and can sometimes limit visibility, the british helmets are just awful as they don't fit well and tend to get in the way more often than not, Visibility is good on them but the protection is limited from fragments coming in at a parallel angle to the brim.

[@genericpersonx333]

I get much the same vibe. Except when performing certain prone-firing exercises, the Stahlhelm is great and even then, the issue is more discomfort than anything else. That said, the neck guard is clearly a bit extreme on the WW1 models and far more troublesome in the post-war versions until you imagine that the real danger was from dirt and rocks crashing down on soldiers in trenches in WW1 from artillery, so that huge neck-guard really makes sense then. Whatever the case, thick necks are a thing.

[@Skaldewolf]

The most interesting part about the Stahlhelm is easily how closely the requirements for protection and manufacturing were meshed together. Manufacturing actually included multiple heating and drawing cycles to achieve an even thickness of the material.

[@jhfridhem]

Hi MMA

[@michaelhellwinkle9999]

Dont let lindybeige here you say that.....

[@klobiforpresident2254]

@@michaelhellwinkle9999 I can hear him approach. Quick, rid yourself of your Spandaus with yer Katana!

[@AKlover]

The Stahlhelm is arguably still in use, the U.S. uses what is essentially a kevlar Stahlhelm.

[@TheMasterOfCornedy]

Everyone does

[@AKlover]

The design works, curious to see the inevitable Graphene version.

[@skepticalbadger]

The MICH is as much a copy of the Stahlhelm as the AK is of the Stg. They are really just inspiration.

[@AKlover]

Adding a little material to the part shielding the neck is barely a change. It stands to reason the material used will change to whatever is best within the limitations of weight so that argument is out too.

[@askingstuff]

The helmet may have a brim to help cover some of the neck and ear, but it isn’t as prevalent as the stahlhelm.

[@Carlos-zv2tf]

"Professor Bier" I would love to have that name xD

[@vire559]

@@Reichsritter Premium account

[@jakek5266]

One of my ancestors was called Franz Bier and he died 1915 in the austrian army :/

[@proCaylak]

+Jäcky van Maaßtricht cnerd means that he is supporting this channel from patreon, so he gets to watch this video earlier.

[@kstreet7438]

Jäcky van Maaßtricht years ?

[@proCaylak]

he must have meant days.

[@jjc5475]

germanies design is the only one that's very similar to current helmets. that says a lot in my opinion.

[@jumi9342]

Nearly all modern helmets are based on the german WW1 helmet.

[@Deridus]

Take a look at the current Soviet, err... Russian Federation helmets, and the ones used by the Brits and Australians in particular. I got to see those two sets up close and personal in 2008 and 2009 and thought they looked damned peculiar compared to the US Army ACH's.

[@fanta4897]

A lot of world uses german-pioneered stuff. Helmets, camo uniforms(or smocks in case of Russia), rockets, jet engines, and last but certainly not least: assault rifle.

[@axelpatrickb.pingol3228]

I mean the Stahlhel was designed after extensive study of head wounds and injuries during the first years of WW1 not like the Brodie which was designed more as something to cover the head for the cheap.

[@heinzguderian1637]

they also use fighter jets, split atoms, drive cars,.... could go on 4ever

[@adnanzukanovic7003]

Best and deepest historical review of stahlhelm on youtube so far..

[@DeHerg]

In english at least.

[@Sheehan1]

Iconic combination of form and function, exactly what we expect from German design and technology in all areas!

[@globaleye8]

My uncle Jack was a crew member of a bren gun carrier when captured by the Germans in North Africa. They were driven a few miles behind the lines to a tented camp and lined up for inspection. Rommel himself spoke to the men, removed my uncles helmet and proceeded to discuss the merits of both designs to his commanding officers.

[@carved6749]

Not very many uncles especially those who fought for the Allies get to see Rommel in Person

[@MichaelSellers5691]

Wow!

[@jscott1622]

That's cool

[@jeffsmith2022]

Excellent story...

[@davidmcintyre998]

Rommel posted a box of British uniforms to some Hitler Youth,this was filmed by a German camera crew,wonder if your uncles helmet was the one in the box,the young boys seem taken with it.

[@dragonsword7370]

I find it really cool that you were reviewing 'nearly' modern steel helms in armory in a castle. That's cool!

[@aaronvenia6193]

Real life examples? But, but, where are the cool little icons -- oh, there they are! Phew!

[@LuigiLong]

Excellent video, and very impressed with the presenter's mastery of the English language, (and also for providing the original German narrative). Looking forward to watching more of your commentaries, thank you!

[@fanofboard3333]

The Germans also developed successors to the Stahlhelm during the war. One of The helmets they came up with was superior to the Stahlhelm M35 in every way (ballistic protection, hearing, manufacturing, weight). The helmet was later adopted by the NVA (East German Army). There's a whole chapter on the "development of new steel helmets" in Ludwig Bear's "The history of the German steel helmet 1916-1945"

[@klobiforpresident2254]

I remember once getting my hands on that NVA helmet. I gotta say, it was a great design.

[@SamLemont]

It may have been a superior design, but appearance wise, it looks gross.

[@hjorturerlend]

Eh, it looks okay with the helmet cover.

[@seanseanston]

Here's another image from some book I didn't see in that link which goes over in detail why the chad M56 > the virgin Stahlhelm: cdn.4archive.org/img/shlXHBs.jpg Basically it had much better visibility, hearing, ability to lie down without hitting the back of your neck and had over twice as good ballistic protection if using the same thickness compared to the M1935 thanks to its advanced sloped sides.

[@arnekrug939]

@@seanseanston And here you can see both of them in action Ballistic Tests: kzbin.info/aero/PLSlaNhEWu9rMXLJMlPiZumMEf7Q_aiQo8

[@DavidCowie2022]

I checked KZbin this morning, and it recommended an old video about steel helmets from The Great War channel. I saved it to "watch later." When I got home from work, I found this in the new releases. Coincidences: doncha just love them.

[@jankorinek6404]

Greetings from the Czech republic. I highly appreciate your work. Full of precise data, no useless words. Jan Kořínek.

[@vordet8261]

Aaaaand another "thank you" for that great video! Danke!

[@marosenmd294]

Herr Kast. Dieses video war die erste video dass ich gesehen hat. Es war eine die beste von alle dass ich immer gesehen appros die ersten und zweiten Welt Krieges. Das gefällt mir, sehr viel, zu ihre Narration auf English anhören, während ich lesen ihre Beschreibung auf Deutsch..............es ist AM BESTEN! So Ich griff mit beiden Händen zu die Glegenheit sich üben meine Deutsch Ubersetung und genießend zu lernen wegen die Entwicklungsgeschichte des Stahlhelms. Ein andere gesichtspunkt ist ihre Diskussion ist beide zusammen Technikhistorish und Klinisch orientiert, biem zitieren Med. Referenzen von Drs. Bier und Schwerd. Es fur mich sehr bedeutend ist als ich bin ein Pathologe. Es gefällt mir gern sie zu kennen lernen, Herr Kast. Ich bedanke mich! Mike R.

[@gruntsffs1]

A testament to German engineering that we in the US military, over 100 years later, use a similar design. Obviously way better materials than were available back then. With regards to channel content delivery, I really enjoy your use of both the English translation (primarily), supported by the original German text. Having spent 4 years there in the Army, it gives me a chance to practice my Deutsche 😎👍🏻

[@grimdesaye6534]

Outstanding information. Thank you for this. I found it very helpful. 😊

[@wa1ufo]

Fine job as always. Thanks!

[@robglenn4844]

"Closed Beta test in the field" - That cracked me up.

[@UWfalcin]

What an extreeemely detailed video. Wow!

[@BackSeatHump]

A very excellent video. Danke sehr!

[@hypernova3527]

You may have included the developmente of the not so famous M54 stahlhelm. (excuse my "engrish", i hope this is understandable enough) It was designed during the last months of the WWII, as an improvement of the M42, saving materials and suposedly giving better protection. It was used in very few numbers in the last stages of the war and it looked like a rounded pinacle shaped metal sheet. It's development was stopped because the end of the war, but it was continued in east germany after a few years, resulting in a bucket looking traditional stahlhelm. The last development of the stahlmelm was the M56, which recovered some improvements from that last ditch pinacle shaped helmet, making it cheaper and also, more protecting, largely used by the NVA.

[@arnekrug939]

But when something hits this helmet it rings like a bell.

[@gunterg7309]

Dear god the m54 is ugly...

[@hypernova3527]

@@gunterg7309 Yeah, I consider the M56 a very appealing helmet, but the M54 is like a longer Fallschirmjager helmet.

[@bloqk16]

An interesting historical overview of the Stahlhelm. I like the presenter's German accent, as it lends an authoritative credibility to this video. I recall back in the 1980s when the US military forces were transitioning to the PASGT helmet, that its nickname was the "Fritz helmet," as giving it a nod to the Stahlhelm.

[@littlejimmy8744]

The WW2 German helmets are my favourite of all time.

[@Emanresuadeen]

And what's your favorite death camp, wehraboo?

[@tiktokcolabs2175]

Waffen- ⚡⚡ favorite unit

[@Emanresuadeen]

@@MrErnieHanks Moron. You don't even say who your "genocided" people are. So how can anyone talk about them? Idiot, YOU are not even talking about them.

[@localextremist2839]

@@Emanresuadeen So Does that mean if someone likes an equipment helmet Weapon or vehicles of the german army They are instantly Racist? Yeah your US helmets are inspired by the german stalhelm Please reply or fuck off

[@ghostofbungie9780]

The Stahlhelm isn’t even a Nazi helmet you arrogant fuck. You yourself are racist, you yourself are contradictory to the very ideology you subscribe to, though you use it to give yourself some kind of morale high ground, because you, yourself, are self righteous and not in the good way. Before you SHIT on military traditions, and the history of a people with two THOUSAND years of history, do research. The Stahlhelm was developed in 1916, and was based heavily off of medieval helmets worn by German and Italian soldiers hundreds of years before any Nazis existed. This person isn’t Anti-Semitic because he likes a HELMET, he isn’t a Nazi because he likes a piece of STEEL. Get off of your high horse and do some research before you make stupid comments that are based purely off of emotion.

[@MGB-learning]

Another Outstanding video and presentation.

[@lhkraut]

Until people like you came along on KZbin, I thought I knew a lot about WWII. All my life I have spent spare time studying. I must thank you for showing me just how much more there is to learn, and I thank you for teaching us all! Prost from America!

[@TheBurg229]

Would love to see a video touching on the helmets used by the fallschirmjager.

[@badvoodoo4090]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I just wanted to point out that camouflage was sanctioned. "July 1918, when German Army Order II, No 91 366, signed by General Erich Ludendorff on 7 July 1918, outlined official standards for helmet camouflage. The order stipulated that helmets should be painted in several colors, separated by a finger-wide black line. The colors should be relevant to the season, such as using green, brown and ochre in summer." This has become a bit of a hot topic between collectors.

[@paulmillard1130]

A true classic. Excellent content.

[@Fred-px5xu]

Sir I thoroughly enjoyed your video lecture on the development of the Stahlhelm. I await your your next video lecture.

[@jamesconnolly984]

"Werkmeister Marx" [historical materialism intensifies]

[@thetraitor3852]

It's quite possible it was a relative.

[@giestderfreiheitskampfer5214]

changes my view

[@PickleRick65]

Awesome as Always 👍👌

[@ABHIII272]

DARTH VADER uses one

[@mememejst]

Darth Vader's helmet looks more like a samurai helmet. Especially considering how much inspiration Lucas took from old samurai films, such as hidden fortress etc.

[@kmtcorp1396]

Jajjaja ... tienes toda la razon ya que el casco de Dart Vader(Vater) es una copia del casco aleman..

[@andybogdan4380]

@@mememejst The stormtrooper helmet and also their name is based on world war german culture.

[@mememejst]

@@andybogdan4380 stormtrooper helmets yes, also imperial commanders like very German there are many things in star wars that remind of WW2, but Vader's helmet looks very much like a samurai helmet.

[@АлександрВасильков-з4о]

Das hat of russian law police , приставов поганых !!

[@GregAtlas]

Thank you for these excellent videos.

[@mikekenyon8483]

The German WW2 helmet is clearly the best looking helmet and it was the best in terms of comfort and protection.

[@Sgt_Chevron]

I’m surprised I haven’t found anyone referencing that modern helmets nicknamed K-pots get this because of the Stahlhelm, the Kraut-pot.

[@Michael-wn4jj]

A Stahlhelm was the only one that I missed during my Bundeswehr duty in the 70s. The helmet of Bundeswehr was such a inocouse shape during that time.

[@Rohilla313]

Very informative thanks. I would be interested in seeing the evolution of the helmet used by the Fallschirmjaeger and why it was so different from the regular Stahlhelm.

[@user-rd7mh2sk1c]

Finally Germans being quoted auf Deutsch. Hard to find. Earned yourself a subscriber for the direct quotation, and may I say, great translations were displayed. Steller job.

[@richardmichalak]

An excellent, informative video on a subject I have been interested in for a long time. I understand that the US military has 3 times come up with a new ideal helmet but each time it has been rejected because it resembled the stahlhelm too closely and that the public would object to it even though it presented better protection and overall design. I was always amused that the British had a helmet that only seemed to protect the wearer from vertically falling objects and not from horizontally flying shrapnel.

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

Not if you bend your head.

[@gip3640]

you know the helmet is good when its still in service 100 years later

[@rohitrai6187]

Excuse me I was interested in how encirclements were upheld physically during WWII. I don't imagine the surrounding force dug trenches at the frontlines. I wonder if it is the right place to put questions, or is there some page for the community. Thanks

[@rogerduke5341]

Truly excellent video. Thanks for all your work

[@colemanchristy2770]

It's 10:30 and I have a test tomorrow; why am I watching a video about a helmet?

[@75291302]

I’m 60 years old but was thinking the same thing. I’m sitting here with work to do captivated by a video about a helmet💀💀

[@thecyborgealt7772]

I read this right when it turned 10:30

[@Gorilla_Jones]

The coolest helmet ever made. Hey, if it's got Vader's approval you know it's cool.

[@eisscrat5667]

Gab es für die Helme im Zweiten Weltkrieg einen standardisieren Tarnüberzug? Könntest du einen solchen Beitrag zu Tarnkleidung in der Wehrmacht machen. Das wäre super. Es gab ja anscheinend sehr viele verschiedene in Wehrmacht und SS. Auch Infos über die Verbreitung wären interessant. Habe schon einiges gelesen selbst zu Kriegsbeginn gab es anscheinend auch schon Tanuniformen für einzelne Einheiten. Auch wäre interessant warum Tarnuniformen nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg wieder abgeschafft wurden bis zur Einführung des Flecktarn 1990. Danke mach weiter so. Was there a standardized camouflage cover for the helmets in World War II? Could you make such a contribution to camouflage in the Wehrmacht. That would be great. There were apparently a lot of different in Wehrmacht and SS. Also information about the distribution would be interesting. Have read a lot even at the beginning of the war there were apparently already Tanuniformen for individual units. Also interesting would be why camouflage after the Second World War were abolished again until the introduction of Flecktarn 1990th Thank you keep it up.

[@kalbs89]

Next update should include stahlhelm modifications such as covers, camo, colors, decals, modifications, service and nationality distribution and etc.…. This helmet is a history subject on its own with books written on this subject alone. It’s and endless subject and very collectible item.

[@tedbaxter5234]

Did the Americans draw from the Germans in the current design of American protective helmets? The outer shape is similar.

[@Morrigi192]

Kind of. There was parallel development during WW1 that resulted in a very similar steel helmet, but it was not accepted due to concerns about friendly fire. Then they avoided it for political reasons until the 1980s, at which point it was decided to replace the steel helmets with a new model made of Kevlar. The result and its successors maintain the general shape of the Stahlhelm.

[@saavageturtle4121]

Yes and no, like the previous reply said, it was avoided due to many reasons, but now in modern armies and can see similarity in the stahlhelm and modern helmets, such and the neck protection and visor.

[@mikhailv67tv]

GREAT content as per usual....

[@Bob1942ful]

Had read that no one else produced this type of helmet in WW1 because the Germans were the only ones with the technology to produce it. Had to do with the two stage drawing process of the helmet. The British helmet was made using a stamping method. Interesting how engineering comes into play on even the most “simple” of objects.

[@MilitaryHistoryVisualized]

If I remember correctly the Austrians got the equipment for production from the Germans and the search for a proper company in Germany took also a while, in some cases due to a lack of personnel, e.g., for Krupp. Others couldn't do it, like the company Marx worked, because they lacked the equipment or something.

[@Bob1942ful]

Military History Visualized As some one else pointed out it says a lot that the current helmets of today look more like the Stahlhelm. I have found it quite interesting over the years to study the manufacturing process of various countries as the reason for what they fielded in battle. The old saying "Amateurs talk tactics. Professionals talk logistics." is a true today as it was in Alexanders time.

[@tankolad]

I actually own a PASGT helmet and I hear a lot of people saying how much it looks like an M35 stahlhelm. Well, I can say that the resemblance is extremely minor. The only similarity is that both helmet designs have a bill. That's pretty much it. The ear bulges on the PASGT are obviously not present on the stahlhelm and the nape area of the PASGT is curved upward instead of flaring out like the stahlhelm. Also the entire dome of the PASGT helmet is curved unlike the stahlhelm which has a flat band around the middle. There are essentially no actual similarities. It annoys me so much that people keep saying that "all modern helmets are copies of the stahlhelm" or something to that effect. Those people are profoundly ignorant.

[@MaximilienRobespierre1]

Fantastic video

[@DarthPulven]

how about one about the jerrycan ? i once got a long lecture on it. and it was surpricingly interesting

[@rogerwhite9484]

Great Video ! TY for discussing the differences betvveen the different helmets , have seen a fevv of your videos & enjoy the vvay you shovv aspects of vvhats being discussed. Keep up the great vvork. Liked & Subscribed .

[@T3utonicus]

First of all: I really like all of your Videos - or at least those I watched. Secondly: when i served in the austrian armed forces, i did an course in military english and they told me never to say "austrian army", for it's uncommon and seemingly not really correct. Well, I don't remember exactly why (well that was six years ago). Ah - and finally a question: will you ever release your videos in german too?

[@MilitaryHistoryVisualized]

thanks yeah, because it is the Austrian Armed Forces, but someone didn't think about that back then when he/they chose the name... I hope I can keep it in mind.

[@saskilla1945]

The design is so good looking looked better than every other helmet in ww2

[@jaredw9171]

Holy cow now I have a case of beard envy.

[@klobiforpresident2254]

"I just relocated my hair" is what he once said. Looks accurate.

[@kstreet7438]

Klobi for President yeah seems most people that can grow decent beards have terrible hair. Idk if it’s worth being bald by 30

[@looinrims]

Happens Anytime you see a Germanic person

[@j.j._]

Extremely informative thank you for the real steel examples.

[@oceanhome2023]

Chile still uses the stahlhiem and almost the entire German uniform they also Goose step and make some pretty decent Mausers . It blew me away seeing that as a kid down there LOL . After the Pustch Ernest Rhôme went to South America where he instructed militaries in the Prussian tradition and we can see that today

[@alganhar1]

Pretty much every army in the world does, almost every current military helmet out there is heavily based on the Stahlhelm, just they make em out of Kevlar these days. Sure they have changed some, less neck protection these days but shrapnel is less of a thing now, and around the ears there is a bulge out for ear pieces and the like (for the squads communications system). You can definately see the Stahlhelm influence in them, which is good, the old British Brodie helmet was shockingly shit. Sure, it saved lives, but it was uncomfortable, prone to slipping and had little to no lower head protection, let alone the neck, the rim often got in the way when in cover, the rear rim was a pain in the ass when prone (had a tendancy to bash against pack or anything else you are wearing high on your back). About its only advantages were superior vision and hearing over most other steel helmets of the day.... and it was INSTANTLY recognisable... which I suppose is something.

[@oceanhome2023]

alganhar1 Good post , the present American Helmets are the best in the world . I can imagine all of the drawings and proposals that were rejected Because of the over sensitivity of looking like a “Nazi helmet “ One thing that was not talked about was the flare around the back and sides protects nicely with diverting rain from running down ones back and sides . There was no comment about this awesome feature

[@alganhar1]

Yeah, the present British helmet is very similar to the current US one, not many differences between the two. As for over sensitivity, that too is a thing, before the Nazi party the swastika was a well known symbol for good luck... now what is it? At least in the Western mindset, its still a symbol of luck in India... but its been that way for millennia! Literally thousands of years, and one short ten year period in Europe turned that symbol into a symbol for evil....

[@glynwelshkarelian3489]

Who was "Ernest Rhôme" I cannot find any trace of him on the net? If you mean Ernest Röhm, then he was murdered in the 1934 Pustch.

[@oceanhome2023]

Glyn Watkins Sorry Yes that Ernest (bad writing) while Hitler was in jail Rhôme took off to South America where he trained their military in Prussian and German military traditions . After WW1 many Germans emigrated to South America so Rhome wasn’t completely alone

[@gillbates999]

@5:30 "ausgezeichnete Richtung" is translated to "excellent direction'" - what is actually meant IMHO is "preferential direction" or "predetermined direction".

[@MrTryAnotherOne]

Not to forget that the helmet of the National Volksarmee of East Germany after WW II was derived from the Wehrmacht's stahlhelm.

[@arnekrug939]

You mean from a prototype?

[@Lakarak]

Prototype...

[@MrTryAnotherOne]

Arne Krug True. The intent was to improve the design by giving it bevelled sides to better protect the wearer against shrapnell. www.ddr-uniformen.com/?page_id=416

[@hunterglass1840]

Very interesting channel. I subscribed. Would have liked to have seen more images of the transition.

[@Franky46Boy]

Interesting... I however missed the future (flatter) NVA helmet that was developed in 1945. I have even seen a movie on KZbin about the battle for Berlin in 1945 in which some soldiers were wearing the still experimental helmet!

[@cowgoesmoo3850]

I always wanted a Stahlem, and some old German medals. Like the iron cross.

[@Vchk1917]

Me too

[@ponddipper91]

Still the coolest helmet

[@Emanresuadeen]

To a wehraboo. The type that also whacks off to einstatzgrupen murder photos of naked women.

[@l.cressey6806]

Emanresuadeen Pull that stick out of your ass. He was simply stating it was a cool looking helmet.

[@conveyor2]

@@Emanresuadeen Ironically that description suggests that YOU are the one doing that sort of thing.

[@mariuspequeno2175]

Hardhats are cooler

[@Vchk1917]

@@Emanresuadeen Dude, chill. He was just saying that the helmet was cool, not that he's a nazi or something like that.

[@jp040759]

Great topic and presentation.

[@onardico]

hey, in the verdun battle who helmet was used? Pickelhaube or stahlhelm? Thanks

[@hanfpeter3742]

Leo FdS both

[@hanfpeter3742]

Leo FdS verdun was the first use of the stahlhelm

[@klobiforpresident2254]

1. Both leather helmets and steel helmets were in use. However, it should be remembered that those caps were not the Pickelhaube and that the battle of Verdun took a long time, so the ratio between the two was very different in beginning and end. 2. Which battle of Verdun? That hellhole was contested for a very long time. The Great War Channel is a nice way of experiencing this. As the weeks go by the battles on the western front don't move around on the map, they just add a larger number. First Battle of Ypres. Second battle of Ypres. Third battle of Ypres (Paschendale). Fourth battle of Ypres (Lys). Fifth battle of Ypres. "I can keep doing this all day." - American manpower pool. EDIT: Changed the first answer.

[@onardico]

you know which verdun battle I talking about

[@klobiforpresident2254]

@@onardico I'm assuming the first one. There weren't many steel helmets yet.

[@stephen9869]

I like your chilled out voice

[@geraldgriffin8220]

Two interesting facts the Stahlhelm is still used in some German Band and Ceremonial units. When questioned why the "spiked helmet" was not used as in other countries, it was stated that it looked "too militaristic " This is odd since the rest of the world sees the Pickelhaube as quaint and old fashioned and sort of "spiffy" while associating the Stahlhelm with WW2...and you-know-who..The Irish adopted a Vickers variant in the 1920's but they were not as well made, it's a wonder they didn't simply buy surplus or captured German ones...

[@arnekrug939]

Under the Versaille treaty Germany was prohibited of exporting military material, wich is why they didn't use surplus. As for the captured gear: I don't know. But I think it's worth mentioning that the Vickers helmets were produced on an original captured German press. And about the Stahlhelm in ceremonial use: The Stahlhelm wasn't used by the Bundeswehr but buy the Grenzschutz wich was later absorbed by the Bundeswehr. So maybe that's the historical connection.

[@MrChickennugget360]

they should use the Pickelhaube.

[@arnekrug939]

@@MrChickennugget360 Why? The Prussians themselves phased them out.

[@user-gj1np9rp4d]

Had Germany won ww1 The pickelhaube would probably have remained because it's was assosiated with tradition and monarchy.

[@arnekrug939]

@@user-gj1np9rp4d Maybe by officers but not enlisted men.

[@BaronFlyingClub]

M35 was the first propper combat helmet followed by the American M1. Today I love the M92 and M95 helmets.

[@josecolon2717]

Seriously, German engineers are the best, from early WW1 to modern day, German engineers have shaped the world in ways most would dismiss... From cars, to highways, to the modern arms and armor and even modern tanks as the legendary M1 was a near direct copy of the German tanks being developed at the time... Germany if you were a person I would pay your beer tab whenever you asked.

[@DanielLopez-up6os]

Thank you sir, for an awesome video!

[@super20dan]

my parents found a ww1 model in our yard in verdunn we played war with it as kids. always thought it was from ww2 but now I know diff.

[@李旭珩]

Really?Do you live in Verdun?

[@babachewy420]

Always great videos!! Thanks for the knowledge

[@xianderthest8014]

I really enjoy this helmet design over just about every other helmet out there.

[@herbwag6456]

Wonderful info on an great subject. Wish you would include more period photos to illustrate what you're talking about. Subscribed.

[@klobiforpresident2254]

I don't know if you remember me: I'm the dude who used to regularly comment on your pronunciation. I do that because I want to see your content be the best it can be. As such I must regretfully point out that your first slide has a language error. It reads "created it's own Steel Helmet" which expands to "created it is own Steel Helmet". Clearly you meant "created its own Steel Helmet" with "its" being possessive. Cheers, Mr. MHV!

[@wallacewood2126]

It's (it is) likely you are a pickle brain. It's (it has) been proven you are a pickle brain.

[@klobiforpresident2254]

@@wallacewood2126 Just stick with one type of bracket, no need to get all fancy. EDIT: He fixed it.

[@wallacewood2126]

Not fancy my eye sight is very bad and I am not a trained typist. Glad you got some education. P-Q4.

[@jehugo66]

Wow this really in depth!

[@guavaburst]

I thought Marx provided head-protection vs the ruling elite?

[@SkyForceOne2]

LMAO

[@vaclav_fejt]

He didn't provide protection against slapstick comedy.

[@russianspy5307]

+25% damage resistance against capitalists

[@jonathanyoung7724]

Sieze the means of protection!

[@Deridus]

Insert startled raspberry/snorting here. Epic comment. You hereby win the Internet Class Warfare for the day.

[@riccardoscavo8485]

Fascinating take on an iconic helmet. You don't have to be a Nazi sympathizer to appreciate that it was esthetically pleasing unlike the tin ''hat'' the British wore during WW2. Even the Americans have adopted the same design for their millitary now. Off course it comes high-tech gadgets but basically the same. Thank you for your upload from the Uk

[@psilvakimo]

You forgot to mention that the Germans sold many helmets to the Chinese army in the 1930's.

[@revanofkorriban1505]

You must have not been paying attention.

[@VulpeculaJoy]

It is interesting to see how military engieering is just not always about what's the best equipment, but also what makes sense in the larger scale of logistics, what is actually needed to decrease one's own side's motality while also keeping in mind the impacts on combat effectiveness. It is these things that we usually face today in large scale commercial engineering applications of making things as cheap as possible while retaining the desired functionality. But in a war environment with central planning the decision making heavily relied upon those in the higher ranks and bureau seats to make the right calls often with dire, life and death consequences to millions of people, while today, the company would just go bankrupt and the employees would have to search for new work

[@ottovonbismarck7094]

I still prefer the picklehauble.

[@arnekrug939]

Only that they have no protection value.

[@georgetreepwood1119]

I like it too - still in use in a number of places..It has style, it has class but from schrapnel it won't save your.....Oddly Germany uses the M35 for bands and parades because the pickelhaube is "too militaristic" "Was ist los" with their heads..should have worn their helmet.

[@markatkinson9963]

Thanks. Learned alot today!

[@brooklynbummer]

One of the best designed helmets so good essentially copied by the American military.

[@williamkennedy5492]

My father gave me a German Steel Helmet, its post 42 as the lip is left as made, its black with the white eagle on its side, i haveowned it for 65 years

[@Eric-uh7nl]

I have 3 stahlhelms, two reproductions and one M40 original, and the original is obviously far superior in terms of finish and quality.

[@tomservo5347]

When the US introduced the K-pot or Kevlar helmet, there was some anxiety over the shape of the helmet being very similar to the Stahlhelm and all the baggage that went with it. During it's debut in the Grenada invasion troops were ordered to cover their new Kevlar helmets with camouflage netting to mask it's shape up. Eventually feelings were canned, and logic prevailed as the shape is highly functional. (The US M60 machine gun is another 'copy' of German innovation with the MG42. Stamped metal, blow-back charging system and quick change barrels minus the 'buzzsaw' sound with a lowered cyclic rate.)

[@coroamaelena-doruta4157]

Please do one more video about Romanian army in WW2.

[@danr1920]

The most important thing it does what it was intended to do, but if it looks cool it's even better.

[@johnd2058]

Quit stahling! ;p

[@thetman0068]

Quit, Stalin!

[@Theredsunrising]

A small correction. Only one Wappenschild was dropped in 1940, not both. The Party Shield on the SS, and the national colours on Heer Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine were discontinued. SS rune shields as well as Heer/LW/KM adlers would continue to be placed on M40s and 42s until the Summer of 1943.

[@jacobeberhardt1649]

Must. Resist. Urgh. To play. Post Scriptum.

[@icedragon7489]

Dont worry its dead

[@NoSTs123]

@@icedragon7489 no it isnt

[@icedragon7489]

How many servers are on? 2or 3 at max unless they bring out a new good Update that game is done for

[@klobiforpresident2254]

That game hovers between 900 and 1000 players, according to steamcharts. I'd not call that dead. Also: You mean "urge" OP, not "urgh".

[@FriedrichBarb]

for it to struggle to keep 1k + players for more than a couple hours, makes me glad I never ended up buying the game & believing all the hype

[@pohl54]

Another one of your very interesting and informative video's.

[@Jairion]

Did you wear yours too tightly? I'll walk myself out.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

I'd always felt the difference in thickness of the M42 over the 35/40. Now I understand why. Thank you!

[@vire559]

I guess 1935 is better compare to 1942

[@klobiforpresident2254]

Why?

[@arnekrug939]

@@klobiforpresident2254 It is. It's of better quality because they put more time into them (better ventilation holes, beaded rim) but most importantly: even though the M42 was a bit thicker, the steel was of lower quality and examples of this version are known to crack more easily.

[@klobiforpresident2254]

@@arnekrug939 That mayor difference is really not a design one though, which is what I was thinking about. I realised that the change in ventilation hole was a downgrade, but I didn't and don't assume it to be a severe one.

[@arnekrug939]

@@klobiforpresident2254 The change of the ventilation hole isn't the major problem though. It's just one of the symptoms of the lowering quality of this helmet. As I said, the M35 were made of better steel than what they had available by the time the produced the M42.

[@klobiforpresident2254]

@@arnekrug939 As I said, I didn't and don't assume it to be a large issue. I was talking based purely on the design of the damn thing, and not based on the materials used. That's why I asked why the M35 would be the better helmet. I agree that when material is taken into account the M42 is definitely worse.

[@ltforce99]

fantastic video on an interesting topic! More please

[@3er24t4g1]

Its a shame they are not used anymore

[@terraflow__bryanburdo4547]

www.hessenantique.com/US_Army_Type_M_88_PASG_Helmet_With_ACU_Cover_p/7317701.htm

[@fanta4897]

I think that MICH2000 was designed from the shape of Stahlhelm.

[@Riceball01]

Frank Teryngel Kind of sort of. The MICH was an evolution of the old PASGT helmet which was in turn based on the old Stahlhelm design. So in a way the MICH was based on the Stahlhelm but only because it was based on an earlier helmet that was based on the Stahlhelm.

[@matthewpham9525]

Steel helmets are thoroughly obsolete, there is no reason to use them if Kevlar is available. On the other hand, the US copied the design of the Stahlhelm in the PASGT helmet, and the PASGT was copied by pretty much the entire world.