Original German WWII Luftschutz Civil Air Defense Extra Large Size Beaded M35 Helmet – marked Q68 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a somewhat rare extra large size 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 80% of the original dark blue paint, with the expected wear from time in service. The helmet retains the three original split pin, with almost all of their original paint. The Luftschutz decal is clean and 80% complete with some scuffs and minor degradation.

The helmet still has a complete leather liner with the cork washers still intact and tight with all split pins. The liner does have some wear and dry rot around the edge, however all fingers are still intact, with an intact original top tie. The leather chin strap is present and in very good condition without any cracking or other damage.

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is serial number stamped 372 and the interior, left side, apron has the stamped manufacturer’s code and size, Q68 indicating that it was manufactured by Quist in the German city of Esslingen. Size 68 is a rare extra large size that can accommodate liners from 60cm to 61cm or US 7 1/2 to 7 5/8. Size 68 shells are the hardest to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector. 

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.