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 moderate service during the WWII era. It also has some features that are a bit different than most examples we see.

The exterior of this German helmet retains about 80% of the original dark blue paint, with some overall wear and scratching. There are about 8 dents on the top of the helmet, where the paint has chipped, and there is also a dent on the front brim. There is also paint loss is around the rim, which was most prone to contact with the ground. The interior paint just shows a bit of flaking and oxidation in areas, especially near the rim. The helmet still has all four of the original hollow liner attachment rivets, with some paint wear, and the cork washers are present around all four. The Luftschutz decal is in good condition, probably retained about 85% with some scuffing and small chips.

The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with:

RL2 – 39/2
Höchstpreis
Rm. 8.-

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 lines beneath translate to “Highest Price 8.00 Reichsmark”. Below this is a complete original Luftschutz helmet information decal / paint stamp:

Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz

This indicates the pricing and distribution information: “Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation.” The decal is still almost completely intact, with just a bit of wear in areas.

The line on this example is definitely different from most, and almost looks like those used in French Adrian helmets, black finished leather with 6 panels. It is even attached to the fiber liner band using metal clips, which are stitched to the leather liner. The stitching has mostly torn, so only about 3 of the 8 clips are still attached to the inner liner. Definitely a very interesting “French Style” variation, very possibly made using a liner made in occupied France. The chin strap is intact, and made from rubberized canvas, which is definitely not a typical material used.

Overall a very good German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with a great lightly used look. Ready to research 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.