SMGM-3949 NS Deutsche Fronkämpfer Bund (Stahlhelm) member book

The Stahlhelm, Bund der Frontsoldaten (“Steel Helmet, League of Front Soldiers”, also known in short form as Der Stahlhelm) was one of the many paramilitary organizations that arose after the German defeat of World War I. It was part of the “Black Reichswehr” and in the late days of the Weimar Republic operated as the armed branch of the national conservative German National People’s Party (DNVP), placed at party gatherings in the position of armed security guards (Saalschutz).

After the Nazi seizure of power on 30 January 1933, the new authorities urged for a merge into the party’s Sturmabteilung (SA) paramilitary organization.

The Stahlhelm was not eager to come under Hitler’s command and it was not until 1934 the Nazis succeeded to integrate the Stahlhelm in the course of the “voluntary” Gleichschaltung process: the organization was renamed Nationalsozialistischer Deutscher Frontkämpferbund (League of National Socialist Frontline-Fighters) while large parts were merged into the SA as Wehrstahlhelm, Reserve I and Reserve II contingents. The remaining Frontkämpferbund veterans’ units were finally dissolved by decree of Adolf Hitler on 7 November 1935.