Original German WWII Luftschutz Civil Air Defense Beaded M35 Helmet with 56cm Liner & Chinstrap – marked EF 64 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.

The exterior of this German helmet retains about 85% of the original dark blue paint, with light wear on the crown, and only a few dents. The Luftschutz decal is clean and about 90 % complete, with light overall wear and a few scuffs and scrapes. There is a bit of light oxidation where the paint is worn, but for the most part the steel is still bright. The three liner attachment split pins are all present, and retain much of the original paint.

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is batch number stamped 21323, and the interior, left side, apron has a stamped manufacturer’s code and size, E.F.64 indicating that indicating it was manufactured by Emaillierwerke AG, of Fulda Germany in size 64. Size 64 is a nice medium size that can accommodate liners from 56cm to 57cm or US 7 to 7 1/8.

The interior of the helmet has a very good condition civic issue 9 finger liner, which is marked clearly 56 on one of the fingers. The leather shows only light to moderate use, and still retains the top tie string. There is some staining and splitting over the edge on the front right and left, probably from being stacked on top of another helmet for a long period of time. The original black leather chinstrap is in great shape, and still has an intact and functional buckle.

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.
Comes ready to 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 organization’s 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.