Helmet dates
Speaking of helmets, I recently found out how the M56 stahlhelm is dated. On the inside, at the wearer's left aproximately above where the ear would be is a column of three sets of numbers. The two examples I've looked at so far follow this pattern: The first, or top number is a Roman Numeral (in my case, both are II). The second, or middle number is a single digit (2 and 4 on my examples). Not sure yet, but following the usual date codes found on other equipment or uniforms, either is the quarter of the year of production, but what of the other number? Production line? Shift indicator?
The third, or bottom number is a double digit, which I suggest indicates the year of manufacture (88 and 84 on mine).
Here's what they looke like:
II II
2 4
84 88
Trying to get a decent photo of these, may have to fill in the numbers with crayon or grease pencil to help.