Original German WWII M38 Luftschutz Beaded Gladiator Air Defense Helmet – dated 1940 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 85% of the original dark blue paint, with light overall wear and scratching, especially around the rim, which was most prone to contact with the ground. The interior paint is in similar condition. The helmet still has all four of the original liner hollow attachment rivets, 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 RL 2 – 40 / 2. These markings would seem to indicate that the helmet was made in 1940, though we do not know if any records were kept of the maker. It may be that it was made under a 1940 contract. The steel is also stamped Höchstpreis Rmk 8.- (Highest Price 8.00 Reichsmark). Below this are complete original Luftschutz helmet information decals:

Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite 56

This indicates the pricing and distribution information: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 56. The decals are still almost completely intact, with just a bit of flaking.

The black finished leather liner is in good condition, though does show wear and cracking to the finish from service. It still retains the original top securing string, with all six “fingers” still intact. The liner band is pressed paper, and the cork pads are still present between the liner band and shell. There is definitely some deterioration to the seams that hold the leather to the liner band. The chin strap is unfortunately almost cokmpletely missing.

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.