Original German WWII M38 Luftschutz Beaded Gladiator Air Defense Helmet with Aluminum Dog Tag 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 about 90% of the original dark blue paint, with overall wear, with some chipping and oxidation. The helmet retains the original split pin rivets, though they have lost part of their original paint. The Luftschutz decal is clean and 80% complete with a few scuffs and wear, with a lovely yellowed patina.

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. Underneath this are some decals about the helmet, which has the standard information:

Höchstpreis RM 8.-
Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite 56

This indicates the pricing and distribution information:  Highest Price 8 Reichsmark Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 56. The stamping is mostly clear, though as with any pain stamp, it is always hard to get an accurate stamping on a rounded surface.

The leather liner is unfortunately in fair to poor condition, with the three leather flaps missing their backing pads, and with a lot of surface dry rot. The top securing strap is long gone, and the chin strap is a replica, attached with zip ties to the liner band. It has a dog tag attached to it with a twist tie.

The Aluminum erkennungsmarke (identification tag) is marked on each half as follows:

Nachsch. Kp. (mot) 29
A Nr. 69

This is the abbreviation for Nachschubkompanie (motorisiert) 29, or Supply Company (Motorized) 29. The “A” is most likely the blood type. We’re not sure why this dog tag was brought back with the helmet. It may be from the owner, or just both were brought back from the same location.

Overall a very nice German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet, a good example of this model helmet from World War Two, along with a nice Aluminum Dog Tag. Ready to add to your collection and display!