Original German WWII M38 Luftschutz Beaded Gladiator Air Defense Helmet with 55cm Liner – dated 1938 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet, which looks to have only seen light service during the WWII era. The exterior of this German helmet retains over 95% of the original dark blue paint, with very light overall wear and scratching. Most of the paint loss is around the rim, which was most prone to contact with the ground. The interior paint just shows a bit of flaking in areas, especially near the rim. The helmet still has all three of the original hollow liner attachment rivets, with some paint wear, and the cork washers are present around all three. The Luftschutz decal is clean and close to 100% complete, with just a few scuffs and very little fading.

The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL 2 – 38 / 28. These markings would seem to indicate that the helmet was made in 1938, though we do not know if any records were kept of the maker. It may be that it was made under a 1938 contract. Below is a complete original Luftschutz helmet information decal / paint stamp:

Höchstpreis Rmk 8.–
Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite 55

This indicates the pricing and distribution information: Highest Price 8.00 Reichsmark Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 55. The decal is still almost completely intact, with just a bit of wear in areas.

The liner in the helmet is three panel imperial style, with two “fingers” on each panel, and padding behind. This is attached to an oilcloth covered fiber band. The leather is in good condition, showing wear from service and some splitting around the rim, and the top securing string is still present. The chinstrap is in very good condition, however one end pulled off of the rivet without splitting, which we have not attempted to repair.

Overall a very good German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with a great lightly used 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.