Original German WWII M38 Luftschutz Beaded Gladiator Air Defense Helmet with 55cm Liner – Dated 1938 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet. The exterior of this German helmet retains over 90% of the original dark blue paint, with only light overall wear and some scuffs through the paint. The helmet still has all three of the original hollow liner attachment rivets, with fully intact paint.

The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL2 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. There is also a decal reading Kopfweite: 55, or “head width 55cm”.

The liner in this helmet is made from oilcloth, an early form of leather, and is complete, although two fingers attached to one pad are torn. The style is reminiscent of earlier WWI liners, with three pads topped with two fingers each. The fiber liner band is also covered in oil cloth, and the three cork pads are still present between the liner band and shell. The leather chin strap is missing, with only remnants remaining attached to the bales.

Overall a very good German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with a great decal. Ready to add to your collection 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.