German Helmet Decals WWII - 'Face up' & 'Face Down'

'Face Up' & 'Face Down' the difference?

We get a few questions each on whats the difference between 'Face Up' and 'Face Down' decals.

During WW2 Germany created two types of decals. These were made by several different manufacturers such as Jordan & Koerner, Huber, Carl Schimpf etc.

They were made by silk screening, (a technique that WarHats still employ today, thus avoiding the nasty 'digital squares' found on the edges of inferior decals).

The first decals were 'Face Down' - The decal was applied to the helmet by brushing a thin layer of Ducolux, Kopal or Damar varnish onto the surface of the helmet followed by the decal being applied and then the excess varnish cleaned up. Many decals were then given a coat of protective varnish.

Later in the war the 'Face Up' type came along. This was much easier and quicker to apply. The decals were laid on wet sponges and applied by sliding them onto the helmet. On occasions a protective varnish was applied.

So in summary 'Face Down' means the decal has been printed with the face next to the card and 'Face Up', means the decal has been printed with the face upwards and visible. See the pictures below.

'Face Up' decal on the left and 'Face Down' decal on the right.