Original German WWII M38 Luftschutz Beaded Gladiator Air Defense Helmet with 59cm Liner – dated 1939 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 75% of the original dark blue paint, with overall light wear and some oxidation. There are some small areas of paint loss and oxidation on on the front and rear visors. There is also minor paint loss is around the rim, which was most prone to contact with the ground. The interior paint just shows some flaking and oxidation in areas, especially on the rear right.

The helmet has all of the four original liner attachment splint pins, all showing light oxidation. All four rectangular cork pads are still present around the attachment points. The Luftschutz decal is in excellent condition, retained close to 100%, and it has a lovely aged look to the enamel, giving it a great golden color.

The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL 2 – 39 / 10. 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:

Höchstpreis von 1-10 Stück RM 8–
                     von 11 Stück an RM 7,5

Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite 59

This indicates the pricing and distribution information: Highest Price for 1-10 Pieces 8.00 Reichsmark, 11 Pieces at 7.5 Reichsmark. Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 59. The paint stamp is a bit faint in areas but still fully legible.

The liner in the helmet is a standard leather German WWII style, and is attached to a black colored fiber band with felt padding. It is in good used condition with a clear 59 size stamp, showing dry rod and splitting around the edge. The top tie strap is missing, however all of the liner “fingers” are still soft and supple. The leather double buckled chinstrap is present and still quite supple, though it has stretched out over the years, degrading the finish overall.

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