Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used original M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet, which definitely looks to have seen service during the WWII era. The exterior of this German helmet retains about 75% of the original dark blue paint, with light overall wear and scratching, especially around the rim, which was most prone to contact with the ground. There is also paint missing on the front and rear visors, which look to have chipped or flaked away. The interior is in similar condition, with large portions of the paint under the rear skirt missing. The helmet still has all three of the original hollow liner attachment rivets, with a bit of paint wear, and the cork washers are present around the front two. The Luftschutz decal is clean and over 95% complete with a few scuffs and only light wear, with a lovely aged look.

The inner skirt is maker marked with stamping into the steel with RL 2 - 38 / 28. These markings would seem to indicate that the helmet was made in 1938, though we do not know if any records were kept of the maker. It may be that it was made under a 1938 contract. Below is a complete original Luftschutz helmet information decal / paint stamp, which is partly missing:

This indicates the pricing and distribution information: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 56. Highest Price 8.00 Reichsmark. The decal is still almost completely intact, with just a bit of wear in areas.

The liner in the helmet is three panel imperial style, with two "fingers" on each panel, and padding behind. However instead of leather it is made of oilcloth, which has unfortunately degraded over the years. The top tie string is still present, with the leather reinforcements that were originally on the "fingers" now detached and the fingers torn through. The liner panels are attached to an oilcloth covered red fiber band, which is a bit loose in the shell. The chin strap is also made from oil cloth, and snapped through about 4 inches from the left side long ago.

Overall a very nice German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet with a great service 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 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.