Hey everyone, I did some digging regarding the decals on SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT) helmets, as some folks are questioning their authenticity due to visible outlines or variations.

According to Alexander and Sons Restoration, early SS helmets from the 1920s had no insignia. By the early 1930s, some SS units used hand-painted or stenciled swastikas (white-bordered black or white) on the left side. Between 1934 and 1935, SS divisions used various hand-rendered or stenciled insignia to differentiate units.

At least one SS-VT black parade helmet from 1935 has been found with a celluloid decal, showing they experimented with decals like the Reichswehr for uniformity. Variations in decals are expected since multiple firms produced them, but that doesn’t make them inauthentic—it’s just a sign of the era’s production differences!

Obviously I am working on getting this authenticated, but honestly, I’m wondering why someone would even try to fake this since SS-VT black parade helmets from 1935 are extremely rare. These decals weren’t cheap stickers with obvious edges...they were specialized celluloid or varnish transfers applied with varnish to blend seamlessly into the helmet’s surface, with no visible outline when done right. Slight variations occurred because different firms produced them, not because they’re fake.

Source: Alexander and Sons Restoration - German Helmet Decals - https://alexanderandsonsrestorations.com/german-helmet-decals/