Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting original M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet, which looks to have seen a good amount of service during the WWII era. The helmet looks to have been reconditioned during the WWII Period, after suffering some damage and oxidation, and we have never really seen something like this before! We can see some past oxidation pitting on the crown of the helmet, which definitely has removed some of the metal. However, it is UNDER the paint, and more than that, the paint actually looks to be very dark blue, or possibly even black, not the usual navy blue these are painted. It is painted this color on the inside and the outside, and since then it has cracked and crazed, so it is definitely very old. Also, the decals and markings are definitely over the paint job, confirming that it is definitely a WWII repaint.

The helmet has all four of the original liner attachment split pins present, all showing little to no wear to the paint, and all four cork pads are present. The LUFTSCHUTZ decal is in excellent condition, retained at about 95%, and with just a bit of wear to the logo. The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL 2 - 39/1. 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 is a complete original Luftschutz helmet information decal / paint stamp:

This indicates the pricing and distribution information: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 56. Highest Price 8.00 Reichsmark.

The liner in the helmet is a standard leather German WWII style, leather over a fiber band, with 9 "fingers" and an intact top tie. The leather has matured to a lovely chestnut brown color, and does show tearing and flaking from age and use. The original chinstrap is completely missing, and looks to have torn off the liner band, which it was stitched to.

Overall a very interesting German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with a great 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.