The Steel Helmet was a militant-nationalist, anti-parliamentary defensive association in the Weimar Republic. The steel helmet was founded in 1918 by Franz Zeldt (1882-1947).
The steel helmet was a gathering of former World War I soldiers who were in danger of social decline and rejecting the new republic. An organization of like-minded people and a political homeland were found in a steel helmet. The Steel Helmet was close to the German National People's Party and grew into the largest anti-republican, anti-democratic and anti-Semitic legal organization. In 1930, the union had about 500,000 members. After the assassination of Walter Rathenau, the steel helmet was banned in Prussia for several months. A constant opponent of Steel Helmet was the left-democratic organization Reichbanner Black-Red-Gold. In 1931, Stahlhelm was a member of the Union of the Harzburg Front together with the NSDAP and DNVP, which aimed to abolish the Reichstag and the Prussian Landtag. Since 1933, the inclusion of members in the SA began. In 1935, the Helmet Steel Union was dissolved.
Members of the Steel Helmet received membership and Traditional badges. These badges came in different variants and material. Alpacka silver, bronze and silver badges were made. You could see the year on the front. Prices also depend on the year of entry. The earlier the year, the more expensive the badges. The reverse is usually engraved with the exact date and military unit. Badges without the Iron Cross on a steel helmet are also known. They were issued to members who had not fought at the front during the World War.
Round badge of silvered alpaca. The front side is enameled. On the back is a vertical pin.
Front side:
Downside:
Obverse: Service and traditional sign Steel helmet 1922
Reverse: service and traditional sign Steel helmet 1922
Awards of World War II