Original Item: Only One Available. This is an very good original M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet. The exterior of this German helmet retains about 80% of the original dark blue paint, with some wear, especially on the top, where it has many scratches and chips. This has allowed the paint to bubble up from the rust a bit. The helmet retains the original split pin rivets, with original paint. The Luftschutz decal is clean and 90% complete with only a few scuffs.
The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel:
RL 2 – 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. There are also traces of the original decal under it, but this has unfortunately worn away over the years.
The liner and chin strap on this example are rubberized canvas or oil cloth, which unfortunately does not hold up well over the years. The liner itself is a three panel type, and has some tearing through, though repairs were made at some point with leather. The chin strap is complete, but also has degraded as the rubber in the canvas has started to crack. The original end retaining rivet on one side failed, so it is now stitched in place.
Overall a very nice complete German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet, a great example of this model helmet from World War Two. Ready to add to your collection and display!