Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting original M1938 Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet, with a rare early single piece beaded shell. Shortly afterwards it was found that due to the size of the "skirt" it was more time efficient to add the skirt later, with welded seams on the sides. We thoroughly checked the shell, and there are no weld markings we can see. This example looks to have seen only light service during the war, and is in great cosmetic condition.

The the original dark blue paint on the shell is very well retained, showing only a bit of wear, and no major paint loss or other damage. It still has all three of the liner attachment split pins present, with their correct cork pads. The LUFTSCHUTZ decal is about 90% complete, showing overall light wear and some age-related degradation.

The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL 2 - 39/21. 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. Below is a original Luftschutz helmet information decal / paint stamp, which has some sections missing:

This indicates the distribution information and size: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 56. Highest Price 8.00 Reichsmark.

The interior of the helmet is fit with a leather nine finger liner, which has felt underpadding over the fiber band, similar to most M34 Civic helmets. It is marked with size 56 on the rear, and the top tie string is missing. It looks like the leather was exposed to water or some other material in areas, which turned the leather darker brown and made it very stiff. This has caused cracking around about 25% of the circumference at the bottom. The original leather chinstrap is present and fully intact, with a functional buckle, though the finish is a bit worn.

Overall a lovely German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with a great look. Ready to research 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.