Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet. The exterior of this German helmet retains almost all of the original dark blue paint, with only light overall wear and some small dents. The helmet still has all four of the original hollow liner attachment rivets, with fully intact paint. The Luftschutz decal is clean and is one of the better ones that we have seen, at about 90% complete! It just has a few small chips, as well as a bit of yellowing due to age.
The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL2 – 39 / 11. 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. The original Luftschutz size decal marking is unfortunately missing, with a few traces of where it used to be.
The liner in this helmet is the standard “civic” style liner, with 10 leather fingers and a perforated brow area. The leather is in very good shape, with an intact top tie, and the liner is marked with size 59 on the rear finger.The four cork pads are still present between the liner band and shell. The leather chin strap is also present, though it looks to be made partly of pressed paper, and has split through in one spot, now glued back together.
Overall a very good condition German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet. Ready to add to your collection and display!