Original German WWII M38 Luftschutz Beaded Gladiator Air Defense Helmet by Rossoll – dated 1939 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet, which definitely looks to have seen service during the WWII era. The exterior of this German helmet retains about 85% of the original dark blue paint, with some areas of paint loss from wear and also oxidation on the front and rear skirts.

The interior has faired a bit worse, with paint loss and pitting on most of the bottom front visor, which also has a bit of a bend in it. We’re not sure what happened with this helmet, but it definitely was exposed to the elements, and there are some dents in the skirt as well. The helmet still has all four of the original liner attachment pins, though the paint is worn. The Luftschutz decal is clean and 95% complete with a few scuffs and only light wear.

The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL2 – 39 / 42. These markings would seem to indicate that the helmet was made in 1939, though we do not know if any records were kept of the maker. It may be that it was made under a 1939 contract. Below this are complete original Luftschutz helmet information paint stamps:

Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite 56
Höchstpreis 8.00 RM

This indicates the pricing and distribution information: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 56. Highest Price 8.00 Reichsmark. The markings are mostly clear, though as with most paint stamped markings, they can be hard to read. There is a small label on the inner crown of the helmet with maker / retailer ROSSOLL / BERLIN marked on it.

The leather liner is in good condition, though does show wear and staining from service. It still retains the original top securing string, however the ends of two of the “fingers” have torn through. The liner band is pressed fiber, and the cork pads are still present between the liner band and shell. The leather chin strap is still present, but definitely looks to have seen water damage, and has torn away from the liner at the rivet on the right side.

Overall a very nice serviced worn German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with a great decal. 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 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.