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

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service worn original M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet. The exterior of this German helmet retains over 75% of the original dark blue paint, with overall wear and some scuffs through the paint. There is also a cracked dent on the rear top of the helmet, probably from falling debris. The front of the helmet has a very nice patinated LUFTSCHUTZ winged decal, which is retained over 90%, however it has had the top layer become dark due to dirt and age. The helmet still has all three of the original liner attachment split pins, with mostly intact paint.

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. The original decal under the rear skirt giving the size and distribution information has unfortunately flaked off for the most part.

The liner on in this helmet is made from leather over fiber bands, which is attached to a fiber suspension, which is has partly pulled apart. The liner is now quite loose in the helmet, and three of the eight “fingers” have pulled off the liner. There is no top tie included, and the leather is in a bit delicate condition. The chinstrap is unfortunately completely missing.

Overall a very nice service worn German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with some great period wear. 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.