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, which definitely looks to have seen service during the WWII era. The exterior of this German helmet retains about 80% of the original dark blue paint, with light overall wear and some oxidation speckling. The interior paint is in similar, with some larger spots of paint loss and oxidation. The helmet still has all four of the original liner attachment split pins, though the paint is worn. The Luftschutz decal is a bit soiled and oxidized, showing some scuffs and light wear. It is however still about 90% intact, and has a great used look.

The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL 2 – 39 / 10. 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 139 contract. Below this is a complete original Luftschutz helmet information paint stamp:

Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite 59

This indicates the pricing and distribution information: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 59. The markings are almost completely legible, with just a bit of wear.

The brown leather liner is unfortunately in deteriorated condition, with the leather having cracked and torn in many areas, showing the fiber liner band. The top tie string is missing, and while the leather chin strap is complete, it does have a stitched repair on the right side where it tore from being put over the helmet brim.

Overall a very nice service worn German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with a great look. 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.