Original German WWII Early M34 Civic Square Dip Luftschutz Air Defense Steel Helmet with Green Paint over Gray Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice genuine steel construction M34 Civic “Square Dip” Third Reich helmet, outfitted for German WWII Luftschutz Civil Air Defense use. Unlike the usual blue paint we see on these, this example is painted green, and this was applied over a gloss gray paint. We believe that this was originally used by another organization, such as the DRK German Red Cross, who used gloss gray, and then was pressed into service sometime in the later 1930s or 40s to use during air raids. The Luftschutz officially only were issued these helmets from 1935 until 1935, when a specific design was made, so while it was possible that it was originally issued then, we believe it was later, which is definitely not uncommon at all.

The helmet still retains much of the original green paint, which looks to have been applied by brush. It now shows wear from service, having lost some of the paint, and the gray undercoat can now be seen in those areas. This has given it a lovely “been there” service worn look. The decal is very well retained at about 95%, with an aged patina in some areas. It looks like the swas on the decal may have been “sanitized”, but was later cleaned off.

The four hollow liner rivets are still present, retaining the green paint well, and all four still have the cork spacer washers around the interior. The original leather liner is still present, and is an m-31 style with a fiber band and eight intact fingers, with the top tie string still present. It shows only light wear, with some dry rot around the edge, and all 5 of the leather attachment points for a leather neck guard are present, though they have been folded down against the liner. The chinstrap is complete and intact, but definitely shows wear from service, now being in delicate condition.

Overall a very good German WWII M34 Luftschutz helmet with a very nice decal and very interesting history. 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.