What did a vertical white stripe painted on the back of a US combat helmet indicate?

The American GIs in World War Two painted a white stripe or bar on the back of their helmets so that soldiers they were leading, presumably from the front, could identify their leader and follow them into battle. American Officers donned a vertical bar while Noncommissioned Officers sported a horizontal stripe.

Are ww2 helmets worth anything?

Rendell of the Museum of World War II in Natick, Mass. “A standard German army helmet could bring $500 to $1,000. A German SS helmet might sell for $4,000 to $7,000.”

What helmet did US soldiers wear in ww2?

M1 helmet
The M1 helmet is a combat helmet that was used by the U.S. military from World War II until 1985, when it was succeeded by the PASGT helmet. The M1 helmet has become an icon of the US military, with its design inspiring other militaries around the world.

What is a ww2 helmet liner?

The liner for the M1 helmet served as the suspension for the steel helmet. It acted as a cushion between the wearer’s head and the steel of the helmet. The liner also served as headwear for ceremonial and official duties where a steel helmet was not necessary, such as a parade, guard, and MP duty in non-combat areas.

What are the symbols on ww2 helmets?

The ‘tic’ marks went from 12 o’clock meaning HQ or HQ company, 3 o’clock being 1st battalion, 6 o’clock being 2nd, and 9 o’clock being 3rd battalion. Today, the symbols are still used as a call back to the 101st Airborne’s glory days in WWII.

What does ECE mean on a helmet?

Economic Commission for Europe
ECE stands for Economic Commission for Europe. To determine a European standard for the traffic safety, they have come up with some guidelines including ‘guideline 22’. This guideline contains the minimum requirements for motorcycle (or scooter) helmet.

What color were ww2 German helmets?

In early M35 helmets, all branches had a smooth paint finish, and it was often a color called “feldgrau” (gray field) in style. The Heer, Polizei and SS also featured this color. As early as the 1910s Luftwaffe helmets, their paint finishes would be smooth. The helmets’ color, blue-grey was designated “blaugrau”.

What was the netting on ww2 helmets for?

Netting could be used to attach scrim (camouflage) such as pieces of tree bark, leaves, or fabric. Soldiers often found other uses for the nets, shoving packets of cigarettes or first aid kit components underneath them. The nets also reduced the shine of the helmet when it was wet; an unintended advantage.

What does a spade on a helmet mean?

In World War II, the soldiers of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the American 101st Airborne Division were marked with the spades symbol painted on the sides of their helmets. In this capacity, it was used to represent good luck, due to its fortunate connotations in card playing.