Here is an example of an East German Military Police steel motorcycle helmet. Early versions of these helmets had a painted white stripe and center device indicating Military Policemen whereas later helmets had the white removable cover. Notice the interior lining is entirely different from the regular steel helmet to make it appropriate for wear on the motorcycle.

 

 

I like that DDR Motorcycle Helmet. West Germany was left with a lot of DDR equipment after the unification in 1989 and this material was making its way to Croatia during the Yugoslav War in the 1990s. I picked up the Bosnian form 1 DDR helmet while stationed in Sarajevo with NATO in 2000. The woodland cover is glued to the helmet.

 

 

 

You are quite right that these DDR helmets made their way all over the world to continue serving in other countries. I have never seen this version before. So, the cover is not removable... they just glued the camo cloth onto the helmet?