Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice and rare genuine steel construction 1930s Commercial Stahlhelm (Steel Helmet), which was outfitted for early Third Reich German Luftschutz Civil Air Defense use. These helmets were for the most part identical to the later WWI production M18 helmets, with chin straps mounted directly to the liner band. They were however for commercial use, and the steel was not as thick or strong as the military issue helmets, which made them much more prone to denting. They still retained the long vent lugs for attachment of a stirnpanzer front armor shield. We measured the shell, and it is a 66cm size with the correct lugs without a step. These helmets were only used during the very earliest years of the Luftschutz, before the M-34, M-35, and other helmets were developed.

The exterior of this German Luftschutz helmet is finished with early war Apfel-grün (apple green) paint, which has faded a bit towards gray on the exterior. It is well retained, with some areas of flaking and oxidation. There are multiple dents to the top, very common due to the softer steel. The LUFTSCHUTZ decal is clean and over 95% complete, with just a bit of scuffing, with a few small chips on the left "wing".

The liner system on this example is similar to those used on M34 Civic Helmets, with a 9 "finger" leather liner attached to the shell using split pins and rectangular cork spacers. The leather is unfortunately in delicate condition, with most of the fingers having had the tips crack off. The chinstrap on these helmets was similar to the later WWII pattern, attached to metal standoffs that are riveted directly to the shell. Unfortunately all that remains of the chinstrap in this helmet is the metal clip attached to the left side loop, while the right side fitting apparently tore off the rivet, which is still present. We checked the shell, and it has no production markings at all, probably to obfuscate the origin.

Commercial Stahlhelm Luftschutz helmets are probably the rarest variety of the Luftschutz style and are very hard to find. This is a very good example, and sure to appreciate in value over the years. Comes ready to 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 defence. The RLB remained a voluntary organization with a small cadre of paid, full-time uniformed officials to oversee the organizations 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.