Imperial German Fireman Helmet
$3,300.00
1 in stock
Description
1880’s Imperial/Weimar pre Third Reich German Fireman Helmet. It’s remarkable that still retains almost all of its original red lead paint. The bronze badge on the front with initials DT stands for Deutscher Turnerbund, the German Gymnastics Federation. They were the pre Third Reich sports and gymnastics organisation, founded in 1848.
The detail in the badge and the oak leaf wreath is impressive. This fire helmet would have been used by the organisation for fire/first aid brigade for larger sporting events.
The Turners were an independent group until 1933, when they were incorporated/absorbed into the National Sozialistischer Reichsbund fur Leibesubungen (NSRL) after 1933, when the DRL assumed control of all German sports associations. During 1939, there were over 12,000 local groups with over 650,000 participants, two thirds male and one third female. The Turner cross was the symbol of the DT under the Third Reich. It looks very similar to the pre Reich logo as featured on this helmet.
Under the Third Reich, the red and white Turnerkreuze is a graphic representation of the four F’s of the TD – Frisch (Fresh), Fromm (Pious), Frohlich (Joyful) and Frei (Free) in the form of a cross. In 1889 in Austria, the four F’s also began to be arranged in a circular pattern similar to, but not a swastika, though the resemblance is striking.
Helmet retains original chain linked chin strap that is attached to one side only. Even if you don’t collect, from a designer point of view this helmet will be a real talking point in your home or office. It’s the equivalent of a small size 54 or size 55.
The DT logo on this helmet has been identified in a merchant catalogue selling flag pole toppers. The listing describes a 22cm high Eichenkranz (oak wreath) und (and) D.T. This version of the badge as a flag pole topper sold for 18 Marks each. A copy of this image will be included with the helmet on purchase.
