Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice genuine steel construction M34 Civic "Square Dip" Third Reich helmet, outfitted for German WWII Luftschutz Civil Air Defense use. It features the correct blue paint and large LUFTSCHUTZ eagle on the front of the helmet for use with the Air Raid Defense. The helmet is a very early pattern, with vent holes that protrude outwards. Later models were flat. The Luftschutz officially only were issued these helmets from 1935 until 1935, when a specific design was made. This example has 3 liner attachment hollow rivets, and looks to be a "commercial" version of the helmet, as we cannot find any maker information or decals on the inside.

The helmet still has most of the original paint, showing scuffing and scratching consistent with use in service. We cannot feel any major dents or other damage, and there is no major oxidation present, though there is scattered paint loss and surface rust. The decal is very well retained, around 95% complete with an aged patina. The three permanent liner rivets are still present, and retain much of the original paint, however they do not have any cork pads around them. The left rivet has also pulled through the liner, and is somewhat deformed.

The liner in this helmet is a 6 panel civic style with a perforated front forehead area, and is attached over a felt-padded fiber band. The leather has unfortunately suffered damage and degradation, most likely from being stacked on top of another helmet, which also may be hoe the liner tore away on the left side. We can also see a tear / cut on the rear left, possibly with a small area torn out, and also a stamped marking that we cannot quite make out. The top securing string is still present, but there is no size marking. The leather chinstrap is present, and in very good condition.

Overall a very good early German WWII M34 Luftschutz helmet with a great decal. 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 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.