Original German WWII Battle Damaged Luftschutz Civil Air Defense Beaded M35 Helmet marked Q64 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice and somewhat rare genuine steel construction M35 “Beaded” Third Reich helmet, outfitted for German WWII Luftschutz Civil Air Defense use. These helmets were essentially like the Military issue, however the steel was not as thick or as high quality. They were given a “bead” around the edge, to avoid mixing them up with the military version.

These are quite rare, as they were never made in large quantities, and were quickly replaced by the M40 and M38 “Gladiator style” helmets. Additionally, this great in example in particular has what looks to be a shrapnel strike on the right hand side, complete with the expected heat discoloration. The primarily goal of the Luftschutz was Air Raid protection and management, so this is entirely correct for this type of helmet. Perhaps it was picked up by a USGI passing through one of the many cities that were the targets of Allied bombing raids.

The exterior of this German helmet retains about 75% of the original dark blue paint, and does show wear. There is an area on the rear right that has a lot of oxidation. The helmet retains the original split pin rivets, with most of their original paint. The Luftschutz decal is clean and 90% complete with only a few scuffs and minor degradation.

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is batch number stamped 2703, and the interior, left side, apron has a stamped manufacturer’s code and size, Q64. This indicates it was manufactured by Quist in Esslingen, Germany in size 64. This is a nice medium size that can accommodate size 56cm and 57cm liners, or 7 – 7 1/8 US. Shells of this large size are harder to find, and more valuable to a collector.

Comes with complete leather liner marked faintly with 56 on one finger, though it definitely is worn and degraded from use and age. The cork washers are intact around the three split pins, though they are degraded from use as well. The leather of the liner itself has tears through the holes on all but two fingers, and is in delicate condition, with wear through around the edge. The top tie strap is cokmpletely missing. The chinstrap however is still complete, and actually quite supple, so it does not appear to have been used much when on the helmet. It is still firmly riveted to the fiberboard helmet liner band.

M35 Beaded Luftschutz helmets are the rarest of all the Luftschutz style and very hard to find. This is a great example, and sure to appreciate in value over the years.

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 defence. 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.