Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a hard to find 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 about 90% of the original dark blue paint, with light overall wear, and a few dents. The LUFTSCHUTZ decal is well-retained, probably about 95% still present, but it does show age and wear, which has made the details faint and removed some of the top coat. There is some scuffing and oxidation speckling, as well as chipping to the paint, especially around the bottom rim, where this is very common. The three liner attachment split pins are all present, and retain much of the original paint, with the cork spacers all still present.

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is serial number stamped DN110 and the interior, left side, apron has the stamped manufacturer's code and size, Q62 indicating that it was manufactured by F.W. Quist G.m.b.H. in the German city of Esslingen. Size 62 is a nice smaller size that can accommodate liners from 54cm to 55cm or US 6 3/4 to 6 5/8.

The interior of the helmet does still have a liner, but it is in relic condition, probably missing more than half of the pressed paper faux leather, and what remains is in delicate condition. This material is unfortunately not very durable, and deteriorates over time much more readily than leather in some cases. The original chinstrap is completely missing.

M40 Beaded Luftschutz helmets are one of the rarer varieties of the Luftschutz style and hard to find. This is a very nice example with a great service used look, 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 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.