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

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet. The exterior of this German helmet retains over 90% of the original dark blue paint, with only light overall wear and scuffing. The helmet still has all three of the original liner split pins, though the paint is worn. The Luftschutz decal is clean and 90% complete with a few scuffs and only light wear.

The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL2 39 / 21. 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 decals:

Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite 58
Höchstpreis 8.50 RM

This indicates the pricing and distribution information: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 58. Highest Price 8.50 Reichsmark. The markings are fully clear, with just a bit of wear.

The liner in this helmet is made from what looks to be finished pressed paper, or some other form of early faux leather. There are six fingers to the liner, but most have had the ends gear through, and a replacement piece of twine was used as a top tie through newly punched holes. The liner band is pressed fiber liner, and the cork pads are still present between the liner band and shell. The chin strap was made from leather, and unfortunately only two small pieces remain, one on each side.

Overall a very good German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with a very nice 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.