*German, WW2, M34 Feuerschutzpolizei Civic Steel Helmet, Double Decal (Police Eagle & Party Shield) & Air Vents*
An original German Second World War M34 civic pattern steel helmet, produced for use by the Feuerschutzpolizei (Fire Protection Police) and retaining its desirable early-war double decal configuration. The helmet displays the police-style eagle within wreath to the left side and the national party shield to the right, both remaining clearly visible despite service wear. The shell retains substantial traces of its original black semi-gloss finish, now showing honest age-related oxidation and patination throughout, giving the piece strong period character.
This example is of the lightweight civic M34 pattern, readily identified by the distinctive grouped “salt-shaker” ventilation holes on each side — a feature unique to civic and police helmets and distinctly different from combat M35/M40/M42 steel helmets, which employ single vent bushings. The profile, finish and liner construction are all consistent with early wartime civil police or fire protection issue.
The interior retains its original civic-style liner assembly, comprising the leather headband and crown pad supported by metal suspension arms. The liner shows age wear and shrinkage consistent with long-term storage but remains complete and correctly installed. As commonly encountered with M34 civic helmets, no visible maker or size markings are present in the shell itself, with such information often confined to the liner or omitted entirely on civic production examples.
Approx. Measurements – Overall length: approx. 28 cm. Width: approx. 24 cm. Height: approx. 16 cm.
Historical Note: The Feuerschutzpolizei formed an essential component of Germany’s wartime civil defence system. During reforms initiated in the mid-1930s under Heinrich Himmler, municipal fire brigades were integrated into the Ordnungspolizei structure and standardised in both uniform and equipment. Personnel typically wore blue uniforms with carmine-red service distinctions, clearly separating them from the green-uniformed Ordnungspolizei branches.
The Model 1934 civic helmet was introduced as a lightweight steel protective helmet for police, fire and civil defence personnel. Early wartime examples such as this retained double decals, a feature largely discontinued as the war progressed and production was simplified. These helmets were worn during air-raid response, firefighting and rescue operations in heavily bombed urban areas, providing practical protection for emergency services operating under hazardous conditions. While lighter than combat helmets, they remain strongly associated with wartime civil defence history.
*Condition* Original period shell showing consistent age and storage wear. Black painted finish survives in large areas with scattered oxidation and surface rusting consistent with long-term preservation rather than recent alteration. Both decals remain present and identifiable with expected edge wear and losses. Interior liner remains fitted with age-related wear, dryness and distortion but is complete. Overall an honest, untouched period example displaying strong originality and desirable visual character. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
Original WW2 German M34 Feuerschutzpolizei double decal civic helmet, retaining both period decals, original liner and strong untouched wartime patina.
