Description
This is a service used example of the M34 Sicherheitsdienst (SD) helmet, with smooth semi-matte apple green paint finish and reversed SS and party shields. These helmets were originally contracted by the Wehrmacht in the early-mid 1930s as a potential combat helmet for the future, but ultimately were sidelined in favor of the M31 / M35 helmet. With a surplus of these, they were used as parade helmets, and widely distributed to the SD and to SS-VT guards at the concentration camps. These two organizations are shown in photographs to be wearing the M34 helmet ubiquitously. Two main companies produced this model; “Edelstahl” and “Thalestahl.” (Edelstahl also simply means ‘improved steel’ or ‘stainless steel’).
This example has a nice SS runic shield by Pocher, with a lightly worn Pocher party shield. The inside shell of the rim is marked “Edelstahl”, the leather liner is supple and retains the original liner string. The chinstrap has a very rarely seen Dachau depot stamp as well! A great example of a true period worn M34 SS-VT/Sicherheitsdienst helmet for the SS helmet collection, or display!
