Bygone Relics

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Collectible military helmets span centuries of warfare and styles, reflecting the evolution of combat, technology, and design. I’ve listed the most popular helmets below from the modern era:

1. World War I Helmets

• Brodie Helmet (British, also used by U.S.)
  Also called the “Tommy helmet” or “soup bowl.” Simple steel design, mass-produced during WWI.
• Adrian Helmet (French)
  Crest down the center, often painted with unit insignia. It influenced many other countries’ helmet designs (e.g., Belgium, Italy, Romania).
• Stahlhelm M1916 (German)
  A heavy steel helmet with side lugs for a face shield. Became the iconic shape of German helmets into WWII.

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2. World War II Helmets

• M1 Helmet (USA)
  Introduced in 1941 and used through the 1980s. Recognized by its pot-like shape and detachable liner. Extremely popular among collectors due to its long service life and variations.
• Stahlhelm M35/M40/M42 (Germany)
  Variants of the original WWI model, with subtle differences in vent holes, steel composition, and paint. Camouflage patterns and decals greatly affect value.
• Mk II Helmet (UK & Commonwealth)
  An improved Brodie, with better liner and chinstrap. Canadian and Australian versions are similar with slight differences.
• Japanese Type 90 Helmet
  Made from thin steel, often with a star or other insignia. Some had cloth covers or painted camo.
• Soviet SSh-40 Helmet
  Rounded steel helmet, green-painted, simple in design but robust. Used by the Red Army from WWII onward.

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3. Post-War and Modern Combat Helmets

• PASGT (USA, 1980s–2000s)
  “Fritz” helmet, made of Kevlar, replacing the M1. Seen in Gulf War and early Afghanistan/Iraq conflicts.
• Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH)
  Modern U.S. Kevlar helmet used in Iraq and Afghanistan, with Velcro and rails for gear attachments.
• Composite Helmets (Global)
  NATO and Eastern Bloc countries now use high-tech helmets like the Ops-Core FAST, Russian 6B47, and Israeli OR-201.

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Specialty & Niche Collectibles

• Paratrooper Helmets
  Modified versions with added chinstraps and padding. WWII U.S. M2 or M1C and German Fallschirmjäger helmets are prime examples.
• Tanker Helmets
  Padded cloth or leather helmets with built-in comms used by tank crews (e.g., U.S. M1938 Tanker Helmet).
• Experimental Prototypes
  Rare and valuable—such as U.S. T35 or the German M44 prototype.

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Collectibility Factors

• Condition: Rust, dents, or missing liners reduce value.
• Markings: Manufacturer stamps, unit decals, and battle damage can increase value.
• Provenance: Helmets with documented history are more desirable.
• Rarity: Limited-production variants or helmets from elite units fetch higher prices.
• Restoration: Original, untouched helmets are more valuable than restored ones.