Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting original M1938 Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet, with a rare early single piece beaded shell. Shortly afterwards it was found that due to the size of the "skirt" it was more time efficient to add the skirt later, with welded seams on the sides. We thoroughly checked the shell, and there are no weld markings we can see. This example looks to have seen a good amount of service during the war, having become somewhat worn and rusted during service.

The the original dark blue paint on the shell is well retained, and it has all three of the liner attachment split pins present, with their correct cork pads. The LUFTSCHUTZ decal is about 80% complete, showing wear around the center from use. We can see some faint markings stamped into the inner skirt, but we cannot make them out, and the original Luftschutz information decal is completely missing.

The interior of the helmet is fit with a leather six finger liner, which has felt underpadding over the fiber band, similar to most M34 Civic helmets. It is in good condition, showing wear to the leather, and the top tie string is present, though it has torn through three of the six fingers. It seems to be about a size 57cm. The original leather chinstrap is present and fully intact, with a functional buckle.

Overall a lovely German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with a great "been there" 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.