Helmet Decal - Luftwaffe First Pattern

Water-transfer helmet decal representing the first-pattern Luftwaffe eagle, used on German steel helmets issued to personnel of the German air force during the early period of the Third Reich and in the first years of helmet decal use.

The Luftwaffe, officially re-established in 1935, adopted its own system of insignia and identifying emblems for uniforms, headgear and helmets. The first-pattern decal represents one of the early graphic forms of the Luftwaffe helmet eagle, with a design closer to the initial style of German air force emblematic use before later, more stylized and standardized variants were introduced.

This decal was intended for German helmets used by the Luftwaffe, particularly the M35 model and early configurations adopted before the progressive simplification of wartime production. On double-decal helmets, the Luftwaffe eagle was generally applied to the wearer’s left side, while the opposite side could carry the national tricolour shield in black, white and red.

The term “first pattern” refers to the graphic variant of the decal, not to the helmet model. Compared with the second pattern, the first-pattern Luftwaffe eagle shows differences in the eagle’s profile, wing shape and overall composition of the insignia. These features make it especially associated with earlier Luftwaffe helmet configurations.

As production and regulations evolved, the first-pattern Luftwaffe decal was progressively replaced by later variants. During the war, the use of decals on German helmets was gradually reduced for production, regulatory and practical reasons, leading first to single-decal configurations and eventually to helmets without applied insignia.

Water-transfer decals consist of a thin printed film applied to a paper backing. Before application, the decal should be immersed in water for about one minute, allowing the printed film to separate from the backing paper. The decorated layer is then carefully slid onto the helmet surface, aligned correctly and left to dry completely.

Once dry, the decal adheres to the helmet surface. To improve durability and protect the decoration from handling, dust or light rubbing, a thin clear protective coating may be applied with a brush. This step is optional, but it can help preserve the finish over time.