Original German WWII Luftschutz Gastasche “Gas Bag” Medic First Aid Kit by W. Söhngen & Co. with Contents Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice German WWII Luftschutz issue Gastasche “Gas Bag” Medic First Aid Kit, used to administer first aid during air raids. We have seen many of these empty, but this example still has the original aluminum tins inside, as well as many of the original contents! This example still has the original maker marked on the inside of the lid:

W. SÖHNGEN & CO. WIESBADEN
K. Nr. R. L. 5 – 37 / 19 Vertrieb
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz genehmigt

The end of the marking translates to “Sales approved in accordance with Section 8 of the Air Protection Act”, indicating that it was an officially sanctioned medical kit. The outer leather case is in good condition, and measures 9″W x 8 1/2″H x 2 3/4″. It still has the original Inhaltsverzeichnis Gastasche (Table of contents gas bag) paper label on the inside, indicating what it would have originally carried when fully loaded. The case is in good condition, showing wear around the edges, and some tearing along the lid “hinge” area.

The original contents are in good condition, with some bearing pre-wwii dates. In addition to the contents stored in the tins, there is also a small pouch for scissors and other small implements. It currently has some scissors, a retractor, and some locking scissors present.

This is an extremely rare and highly collectible set with a wonderful history, with some contents offered in excellent unissued condition.

Formed in late 1932 the Deutsches Luftschutzverband, (German Air Protection League), was a voluntary organization designed to provide civil air raid protection in large civilian centers. Shortly after AH ascension to power the Deutsches Luftschutzverband was restructured and placed under the supervision of the Reichsluftfahrtministerium, (National Air Ministry), under the control of Hermann Göring. On April 29TH 1933 the Deutsches Luftschutzverband was renamed RLB, Reichs Luftschutz Bund, (National Air Raid Protection League) and was given status as an official national organization tasked with all aspects of civil air raid defense.

The RLB remained a voluntary organization with a small cadre of paid, full-time uniformed officials to oversee the organization’s functions until June 1935 when obligatory service was introduced. Only the most basic uniform and equipment items were supplied to the cadre personnel, with the rest having to be bought personally by members. On September 26TH 1938 a specific helmet for RLB personnel was introduced that incorporated a raised horizontal “bead” between the visors and crown. These helmets commonly called the “Gladiator” style were supplemented with M35, M40 and M42 helmets that also incorporated a raised horizontal “bead” between the visors and crown. The Luftschutz also utilized a variety of captured helmets.