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, which looks to have seen moderate service during the WWII era. The exterior of this German helmet retains about 80% of the original dark blue paint, showing overall wear and scuffing on the exterior. There is paint loss on almost all of the lower rim, which is usually the first place to show wear. The interior paint just shows a bit of flaking in areas, especially near the rim. The helmet still has all three of the original hollow liner attachment rivets with fully intact paint, and the cork washers are present around all three. The Luftschutz decal is clean and close to 100% complete, with just a few chips and very little fading.

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 complete original Luftschutz helmet information decal / paint stamp:

Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite 55

This indicates the pricing and distribution information: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 55. The decal is still mostly intact, with a few scratches and tiny chips.

The liner in the helmet is three panel imperial style, with two “fingers” on each panel, and padding behind. This is attached to an oilcloth covered fiber band. The leather is in good condition, showing wear from service and deterioration around the rim, and the top securing string is still present. The chinstrap is present, however it has torn through.

Overall a very good German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with a great lightly used look. 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.