Original German WWII M38 Luftschutz Beaded Gladiator Air Defense Helmet with 58cm Liner – dated 1939 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet, which definitely looks to have seen service during the WWII era. The exterior of this German helmet retains about 85% of the original dark blue paint, with light overall wear and scratching, as well as some areas of paint chipping, which shows the correct red primer coat underneath. It is also possible that it was partially repainted, as we can see some ripples in the paint on the crown. The interior paint is a bit better retained, as is usual. The helmet still has all three of the original liner attachment rivet split pins, with a bit of paint wear, and the cork washers are present around the front two. The Luftschutz decal is clean and over 80% complete with overall scuffing from use.

The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL 2 – 39 / 28. These markings would seem to indicate that the helmet was made in 1939, though we do not know if any records were kept of the maker. It may be that it was made under a 1939 contract. Below is a complete original Luftschutz helmet information decal / paint stamp:

Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite 58
Höchstpreis Rmk 8.50

This indicates the pricing and distribution information: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 58. Highest Price 8.50 Reichsmark. The decal is still almost completely intact, with just a bit of wear in areas.

The liner in the helmet is a standard leather “civic” style, with perforations in the front to help with forehead sweat. It is attached to a ochre colored fiber band, and is in very good condition, retaining the top securing string, with the leather showing only light wear and staining. The leather double buckled chinstrap is present and still quite supple, with just some wear to the finish.

Overall a very nice German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with a great service 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.