Dutch M40C Helmet

The Dutch M40C (Model 1940 Civil) is a helmet specifically produced in the Netherlands during the German occupation (1940–1945) for civil organizations such as the Air Raid Protection Service (LBD), the police, and later the Domestic Forces (BS).

Characteristics of the wartime M40C for the LBD:

• Production: Unlike the military M34, the M40C was manufactured during the occupation years for non-military purposes.
• Color and Markings: For the LBD, these helmets were standard black. They were sometimes marked with white letters (e.g., "L.B.D.") or specific rank designations, such as "Blokhoofd" (Block Warden).
• Simple Liner: Due to wartime material shortages, many M40C helmets feature a simplified liner made of canvas or textile instead of leather.
• Chinstrap: Often a basic cotton or canvas strap, sometimes attached with two rivets similar to the design used on KNIL helmets.

Key Differences:

• M40C vs. M34: The M34 was an army helmet (originally green with a bronze lion plate) repurposed by the LBD by painting it black and removing the plate. The M40C was produced from the start as a civil helmet without a helmet plate.
• M40C vs. Post-war BB Helmet: Post-war helmets used by the Civil Defense (Bescherming Bevolking or BB) are often grey-green/olive and feature a reddish-brown liner from the 1950s. The wartime M40C typically has a darker (black or dark green) appearance.