Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet, named in multiple places to the owner. The liner has the name Stölting written on it, and this name is also written twice on the underside of the rear skirt, along with their operating number. Definitely some great research potential!

The exterior of this German helmet retains over 90% of the original dark blue paint, with only light overall wear and some scuffs through the paint. The original Luftschutz decal is in great shape, retained at over 95%, with just a few small scrapes. It has a lovely gold color due to the deterioration of the lacquer top coating. The helmet still has all four of the original liner split pins, and intact liner, and a very nice chin strap. We rarely see such complete Luftschutz helmets, making this a real treat!

The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL2 - 39 / 28. 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. Also under the rear skirt is the original Luftschutz helmet information stamps:

6201
Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite: 55

This indicates the pricing and distribution information: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 55. The markings are mostly clear, with some portions worn. It also looks to be a paint stamp, so even when new the marking was not entirely clear.

The liner in this helmet is made from leather over a fiber band, and is in very good condition. The leather is supple and still has much of the original finish, with all fingers intact and still attached to the original securing string. The liner is stamped with a clear size 55 on the rear. The leather chinstrap is completely intact, and still suppple.

Overall a very nice German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet, named and in great condition. We rarely see them with such nice liners & chinstraps! Ready to add to your collection 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.