Belt buckle with “Frontheil” and belt (85cm) of the veterans organization Stahlhelm Bund der Frontsoldaten.

The “Stahlhelm Bund der Frontsoldaten” was an organization of former front soldiers founded after World War I, with a combination of veteran support, political and nationalistic goals. The organization was founded in 1918 and was initially intended as a veterans association for soldiers who had served during the First World War. The name “Stahlhelm” referred to the distinctive steel helmets worn by the German troops.

However, the Stahlhelm Bund also had political and nationalistic goals. Many of the members were conservative, nationalistic and felt dissatisfied with the political and economic situation in Germany after the war, especially because of the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles. The organization strove to restore German national pride and interests.

Over the years, the Stahlhelm Bund began to participate in political activities and demonstrations, and some members were involved in right-wing political parties. The organization had a conservative and nationalist streak and was sometimes critical of the Weimar Republic. Because the Stahlhelm Bund was also militarily trained, it could act as a kind of paramilitary group.

Leading up to the rise of Nazism in Germany, some members of the Stahlhelm Bund were involved in violent confrontations with political opponents. After the Nazi seizure of power in 1933, the Stahlhelm Bund was disbanded and absorbed by the Sturmabteilung (SA) and other Nazi-related organizations.