Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition example of a rare genuine steel construction M40 "Beaded" Third Reich helmet, outfitted for German WWII Luftschutz Civil Air Defense use. These helmets were essentially like the Military issue, however the steel was not as thick or as high quality. They were given a "bead" around the edge, to avoid mixing them up with the military version.

The exterior of this German helmet retains over 95% of the original dark blue paint, with some scuffing and light overall wear. There is definitely one of the better examples of a Beaded M40 Luftschutz shell we have seen recently. The Luftschutz decal is clean and about 90% complete, with only a few small scratches and nicks in the decal. There is very little yellowing of the enamel portion of the decal, so the silver color is still quite vibrant.

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is batch number stamped PN229, and the interior, left side, apron has a stamped manufacturer's code and size Q64, indicating manufacture by Quist in Esslingen, Germany in size 64. Also included is a complete original liner and original chinstrap. The liner is ink stamped size 57. Size 64 is a nice medium size that can accommodate liners from 56cm to 57cm or US 7 to 7 1/8.

The helmet comes complete with its original leather liner, which is in great shape. The leather is still mostly supple. There is also deterioration at the rear, consistent with being stored on top of another period for a long period. The top tie is no longer present. The leather chin strap is still present, and actually in really good condition, but shows signs of having a piece replaced.

M40 Beaded Luftschutz helmets are one of the rarer varieties of the Luftschutz style and hard to find. This is a very good example, and sure to appreciate in value over the years.

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.