Original German WWII Battle Damaged M38 Luftschutz Beaded Gladiator Air Defense Helmet – dated 1939 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet, with some great “Battle Damage” to the shell. The Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB) (National Air Raid Protection League) was responsible for evaculations during air raids, and from the look of this helmet, it did take some type of shrapnel damage during a bombing raid. There are several impact points on the front, and the shell is cracked in multiple areas. There is also some cracking in the back, as well as other areas that look to have been hit or exposed to hot shrapnel. Definitely an interesting helmet with a great look!

The exterior of this German helmet retains about 80% of the original dark blue paint, with overall wear, with some chipping and oxidation, as well as the damage from impacts. The helmet still has all four of the original split pin rivets, with nearly complete paint. The Luftschutz decal is still about 80% present, with damage from the cracks and impacts.

The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL2 39 / 42. 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 this is a complete original Luftschutz helmet information, stamped with white paint:

Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite 59
Höchstpreis RM 8.–

This indicates the pricing and distribution information:  Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 59. Highest Price 8.– Reichsmark. The markings are mostly clear, though as always, paint stampings are a bit hard to read.

The liner in this helmet is made from very nice light brown faux leather, and is complete, though the top tie has torn through the ends of the fingers. The fiber liner band is covered in oil cloth, and the four cork pads are still present between the liner band and shell. The chin strap is present, but broke off at one side.

Overall a very good German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with some great battle damage! Ready to add to your collection and display!