
WWII German Chicken Wire Helmet Cover reproduction.
Distinctive « half-basket » chicken wire cover, as visible on original photos.
In addition to painting helmets in camouflage colors, the Germans used different materials such as wires and mesh to attach foliage as well as cloth covers.
Different grades of wire were used to provide the framework for which foliage could be attached to helmets. In many cases, the wire itself served as a means of camouflage without the aid of leaves or branches, by simply breaking up the outline of the helmet. A variety of methods were used to attach wire to a helmet. Both strait bailing wire as well as fencing wire (often called Chicken wire) was also used in various gages. The wire types and grades applied to helmets often differed depending on the theater of combat where the helmet was being used. Helmets that used wire for camouflage were typically found in the Italian and French theaters in 1943 and 1944. However as a whole, continental Europe with its strong agrarian base was an abundant source of farm yard and fencing wire. It should be noted there are various types of chicken-wire; various gauges of wire and different size hexes which would have been available to German soldiers in France at the time. Collectors of German helmets often categorized the types of wire by the number of twists on the hexes in the wire. Generally wire of the era was woven with three, five, or sometime six twists.
Original or repro chicken wire covers are very hard to find.
You will receive the model presented in photo. Each model is unique.
⚠️ The helmet is not for sale! You only buy the cover.
⚠️ This cover was made on a M42 Stahlhelm helmet. We cannot assure it will fit other types of WW2 German helmets : M35, M40, M37, M38, etc.
⚠️ There are different sizes of M42 Stahlhelm shells. The helmet on which this cover was made has a diameter of 69cm (at the base of the rounded dome). We cannot guarantee that this cover will fit your own helmet. You buy with full knowledge of these elements. No return will be accepted because the cover does not fit your shell.
François G.
ww2gear founder
I am François, founder and manager of ww2gear.
As far as I can remember, I have always been a WW2 history buff.
The ww2gear adventure started back in 2017 with the creation of the @ww2gear Instagram page. Since then, I have developed increasing interest for WW2 reenactment.
One thing led to another, and I quickly joined a U.S. Army reenactment group in Belgium : The BRO.
Simultaneously, I started creating repro gear for myself and a few friends, in line with the concrete needs of WW2 collectors and reenactors. It quickly became a serious business, which led to a full time job in 2021.
Most products available on this webshop are handcrafted by myself or artisans, which explains our limited assortment strategy.
I am a passionate person, working to enhance your passion.
Do not hesitate to contact me! 🤘