Original German WWII M38 Luftschutz Beaded Gladiator Air Defense Helmet Shell - dated 1938

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice M1938 Beaded Luftschutz Gladiator German helmet shell, which looks to have seen light to moderate service during the WWII era. It has however lost the liner and chin strap, while still retaining all 3 liner attachment hollow rivets, which show some deformation from having the liner removed.

The exterior of this German helmet shell retains about 85% of the original dark blue paint, showing light overall wear, with a wide flat dent on the very top of the crown. The rolled edge is missing a good amount of the paint, which is not uncommon, and gives it a great "been there" look. We also noted that the edge of the skirt shows some deformation and dents. The LUFTSCHUTZ decal is in good condition, retained at about 75%, showing overall chipping and wear from service.

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 original Luftschutz helmet information decal / paint stamp, which is mostly complete:

Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite: 58

This indicates the distribution information and size: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation. Head Width 58.

Overall a very good condition German WWII M38 Luftschutz helmet shell with a great lightly used 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.