Original German WWII M38 Luftschutz Beaded Gladiator Air Defense Helmet with RLB Inspection Stamp – dated 1938 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition original M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet. The exterior of this German helmet retains about 95% of the original dark blue paint, with light wear, including some chipping and paint loss. The helmet still has all three of the original permanent liner rivets, which have wear to the paint. The Luftschutz decal is clean and about 80% complete, with some “melting” to areas.

The inner skirt is maker marked with RL- 2 38 / 28 stamped into the steel just below the liner. 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 this is a original Luftschutz helmet information decal, which is missing just a bit of the right side:

Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzge[setz]Kopfweite 56

This indicates the pricing and distribution information: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 56. The markings are mostly clear, with just a bit of wear.

The helmet liner is a three panel leather type, with two fingers on the end of each panel, attached to a oil-cloth covered fiber band. It is still in very good condition, with the leather almost entirely intact, as well as the band and padding under the panels. It still has the original top tie, with the only issue being that it has torn through the tip of one of the 6 fingers. There is also a RLB ink stamp on the right rear panel, something we have never seen before. The chin strap is still present and in very good condition, with just a bit of oxidation to the fittings.

Overall a very good condition German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with a liner and some great markings. 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 organizations 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.