Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent original M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet. The exterior of this German helmet retains about 95% of the original dark blue paint, with just a few scratches and light dents. The helmet retains the original split pin rivets, with original paint. The Luftschutz decal is clean and 90% complete with only a few scuffs.
The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel, and under that is more information applied with decals (they overlap somewhat):
Kopfweite: 56
RL 2 – 40
Höchstpreis Rm 8.
Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
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. The rest of the markings are distribution and price information: Head Width 58. Highest Price 8 Reichsmark. Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. The decals are partly clear, with a good part of the lower left portion missing.
The leather liner is complete and in good condition. The leather is soft and supple, and the top securing string is present, though it has torn through two “fingers”. The chin strap is in great shape, soft and supple, with lots of the original black finish present.
Overall a very good complete German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet, a great example of this model helmet from World War Two. Ready to add to your collection and display!