Original German WWII M38 Luftschutz Beaded Gladiator Air Defense Helmet with Single Piece Shell – dated 1939 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great original M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet, with a rare early single piece shell. This was the first version of the helmet produced after the move from the “beaded” M35 type, and the skirt and dome are made with a single piece of stamped steel. Later types would have a two piece skirt attached to the dome.

This helmet definitely looks to have seen only light service during the WWII era. The exterior of this German helmet retains over 95% of the original dark blue paint, with only minor wear and scuffing to the exterior. The interior paint is in even better condition. The helmet still has all three of the original liner split pins, with the paint retained almost entirely. The Luftschutz decal is about 90% complete, though the enamel top layer has oxidized and aged, making the silver underlayer hard to see.

The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL 2 – 39 / 21. 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 are complete original Luftschutz helmet information enamel decal:

Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite 56
Höchstpreis 8.50 RM.

This indicates the pricing and distribution information: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 56, Highest Price 8.50 Reichsmark. The decal is still almost completely intact, with just a bit of flaking.

The tan leather liner is in very good condition, and has matured to a lovely russet brown color, with all fingers intact as well as the top tie string. The liner band is what looks to be pressed paper or fiber, and is in great shape, with no cracking or other issues. The black leather chin strap is in very good condition, with just a few small tears to the leather.

Overall a very good condition 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.