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 looks to have seen light service during the WWII era. The exterior of this German helmet retains over 95% of the original dark blue paint, which still has much of the original satin appearance, with some scratches and dents. The interior paint is in similar condition, with some chipping around the lower edge. The helmet still has all four of the original liner attachment hollow rivets, with the original paint completely retained. The Luftschutz decal is in great shape, over 95% complete, still shiny with minimal damage and oxidation. There is just a bit of the wreath at the top missing.

The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL 2 – 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 is a complete original Luftschutz helmet information paint stamp:

Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite 55

This indicates the pricing and distribution information: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 55. The markings are almost completely legible, with just a bit of wear.

The brown leather liner is in good lightly worn condition, with all four of the cork spacers still present around the attachment split pins. The top tie string is intact, and the leather is still supple, showing staining from use. The chinstrap is unfortunately broken off on both sides at the edge of the liner.

Overall a great looking German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with wonderful paint and a lovely 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.