Original German WWII M38 Luftschutz Beaded Gladiator Air Defense Helmet with 53cm Liner – dated 1938 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original service worn M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet, which looks to have seen extensive service during the WWII era. The exterior of this German helmet retains about 60% of the original dark blue paint, showing a lot of wear to the crown, which has oxidized where the paint is missing. There is paint loss in other areas, probably due to moisture exposure, which has caused the finish to flake off. The interior is in a bit better shape, but still shows paint loss and oxidation.

The helmet has all of the three original liner attachment splint pins, all showing light oxidation, and the cork spacers are still present around all three. The LUFTSCHUTZ decal is in very good condition, retained at about 80%, and with light wear and parts of the decal flaked away.

The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL 2 – 38 / 28. These markings would seem to indicate that the helmet was made in 1938, though we do not know if any records were kept of the maker. It may be that it was made under a 1938 contract. Below is a original Luftschutz helmet information decal / paint stamp, which is complete:

Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite: 53

This indicates the distribution information and size: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 53.

The liner in the helmet is a standard leather German WWI style, with the three larger panels attached to a liner band, which we often see in Luftschutz helmets. The panels are attached to a black oilcloth covered fiber band. It is in very good used condition, showing some staining, but the leather is still relatively supple and retains the top tie string. The original chinstrap is present and intact.

Overall a very good German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with a great “been there” look. Ready to research and display!

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.