Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely service used genuine steel construction M34 Civic "Square Dip" Third Reich helmet, outfitted for German WWII Reich Luftschutz Bund (RLB) Civil Air Defense use. It features the correct early issue steel blue paint and an RLB Emblem decal on the front of the helmet. It has the correct two "Salt shaker" vents on each side, though they are flat and not domed, indicating later production. The RLB officially only were issued these helmets 1934 to 1938, when the M-38 "Gladiator" helmet came into use, and a new "Luftschutz" decal was designed.

The helmet still has a good amount of the original paint, however the top of the helmet shows multiple large dents, and also areas of oxidation where the paint is missing. It definitely looks to have seen extensive service during the war, and may not have been treated gently. The decal is retained at about 95% with the colors well retained, showing little wear and just a bit of age toning as well as overall checking / cracking from age, just how we love to see these. The four permanent hollow liner rivets are still present, retaining most of the original paint, and all four retain their cork spacers.

The liner in this helmet is made from leather over a pressed fiber band, with what feels like horsehair / wool padding underneath. It is an eight finger civic style liner, similar to the military issue but with less robust construction. It shows light wear from use, and still retains the original top tie string. The original chinstrap is almost completely missing, with only a small piece still retained on the right side.

Overall a lovel "salty" service worn early German WWII M34 Luftschutz helmet with a fantastic well used look! 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.