updated 10/7/2025 General Information: The Helm mit Ohrenausschnitten or “ear cutout helmet” was a variation of the German Model 1918. It is identical to the standard M18 but for the half-moon curved sections adjacent to the location of the wearer’s ears. The purpose of the cutouts was to improve hearing[1], not as was commonly believed,Continue reading “German M18 ECO*”
Tag Archives: Model 1918
Norwegian M18 Reissue*
General Information: Norwegian armed forces reused helmets and other equipment left behind by surrendering German forces at the end of the Second World War. Most of the reissued helmets were the Model 1935/40/42 type, but some were World War One Model 1916/17/18 type that were reissued to German soldiers during World War Two. The NorwegiansContinue reading “Norwegian M18 Reissue*”
Afghan*
updated 5/29/2025 General Information: The Afghan army equipped soldiers with reissued German First World War helmets starting in the 1930s. They used a variety of German manufactured types including M16, M17, M18, and M18 ear cut out types. They also used Austro-Hungarian M17 and postwar Czechoslovakian vz20s.[1] These helmets were affixed with a badge consisting ofContinue reading “Afghan*”
Japanese IJA “Cherry Blossom”*
General Information: The Japanese “Cherry Blossom” helmet was what the Japanese soldiers wore when they invaded China in 1931. It was an improvement over the very limited production earlier model which is referred to by collectors as the “Star Vent” or “Model 1918” helmet, although it apparently never had an official designation. The earlier helmetContinue reading “Japanese IJA “Cherry Blossom”*”
Japanese IJN M22 1931 Variant*
General Information: The Japanese “Cherry Blossom” helmet is a collector term for this model. Officially, it was called the “Provisional Standard Head Armor” and was referred to as “kabuto” (head armor). Collectors also use the terms Model 1922 or Model 1918 Type 2, or Second Model M18. For more information on this type, please seeContinue reading “Japanese IJN M22 1931 Variant*”
German M18*
* General Information: In July of 1918 the Germans introduced a new steel helmet, the Model 1918.[1] The new helmet was identical to the Model 1916/17 with the exception of the chinstrap configuration. The new chinstraps were made in two pieces with a carbine type clip that connected them. Instead of being connected by lugsContinue reading “German M18*”
Steel Helmets of the World Wars 