Helmet Decal - Polizei

Water-transfer helmet decal representing the Polizei insignia, featuring an eagle with swastika enclosed within an oak-leaf wreath. This insignia was used on helmets issued to German police formations of the period and is clearly distinct from the decals of the Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, SS and paramilitary organizations.

The Polizei decal was generally applied to the wearer’s left side of the helmet. In double-decal configurations, especially on M35 helmets and early arrangements, it was paired on the opposite side with the national tricolour shield in black, white and red, placed on the wearer’s right side. This combination indicated affiliation with the Polizei while also displaying the national shield according to the German helmet identification system of the period.

The most typical pairing was therefore: Polizei insignia on the left side and national tricolour shield on the right side. The pair did not indicate two different units, but a standard double-decal configuration: the corps or organization insignia on one side and the national shield on the other. This principle was also used by other German formations, with the specific branch or organization insignia changing accordingly.

The Polizei decal was used on several helmet types, including military steel helmets such as M35, M40 and M42, as well as civilian or paramilitary helmet patterns employed for police, security, public order, civil defence and territorial duties. Variants may differ in size, eagle shape, wreath thickness, rendering of the oak leaves and colour tone, depending on manufacturer, period and production style.

As wartime regulations and production methods evolved, Polizei helmet configurations also became more simplified. Examples may therefore be found with double decals Polizei + national shield, with single Polizei decal only, or, in later production and reworked helmets, with no applied decals at all. The presence or absence of the opposite national shield can help identify the helmet’s production or uniformological phase.

The Polizei decal is visually distinguished by the oval oak-leaf wreath surrounding the eagle. This feature makes it immediately different from the shield-based military eagles of the Heer and Kriegsmarine, as well as from the flying eagle of the Luftwaffe. For this reason, it is one of the most recognizable German helmet decals of the period.

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.