Swiss Helmet 1940/63 Civil Defense

This yellow Swiss helmet is a variant of the army model M18/40 (or the later M18/63), specifically repurposed for Civil Defense in Switzerland.

Here are the key features of this specific model

• Origin & Repurposing: These helmets were often recycled from old army stocks. For use by Civil Defense, they were fitted with a distinctive yellow paint finish (often fluorescent yellow) and sometimes a renewed liner.

Models

• M18/40: A steel helmet based on the original M18 design, but with a flatter side rim ("skirt") to simplify production.
• M18/46 (Aluminum): In 1946, a lighter aluminum variant (Duralumin) was introduced, specifically for civilian emergency services and the fire department to reduce weight.
• M18/63: A later modernization that remained in use into the 1970s and 1980s.

• Appearance: The helmets are recognizable by their typical deep shape, which provides good protection for the ears and neck. They feature two ventilation holes at the rear and a leather lining with three pads.
• Use: Yellow was the official color for the national civil defense. Sometimes examples are found with a letter stamp on the inside, such as a "P" for Police or "F" for Fire Department (Feuerwehr).