Description
You are bidding on an EXCELLENT used example of a WW2 German Luftschutz (Air Raid Protection) M38 Beaded “Gladiator” Style Single Decal Helmet!
The first “modern” steel helmets were introduced by the French army in early 1915. The German army began tests for their own steel helmet at the Kummersdorf Proving Grounds in November, and in the field in December 1915, experimenting with both captured French and British helmets. An acceptable pattern was developed and approved and production began at Eisen-und Hüttenwerke, AG Thale/Harz, in the spring of 1916.
In 1935, the Third Reich developed the smaller, lighter M35 style helmet, and then in an effort to reduce construction time and labor costs, minor modifications were introduced in March 1940 resulting in the M40 helmet. Further construction modifications were undertaken in August 1942 resulting in the M42 helmet.
The Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB; “Reich Air Protection League”) was a civil defense organization in Nazi Germany in charge of air raid precautions in residential areas and among smaller businesses.
The RLB was in charge of educating and training ordinary German men and women in civil defense procedures necessary for the basic level of local self-help of the civil population against air raids. The local level was formed around air raid wardens and operated in small first intervention squads. The training include fire fighting, protection against chemical weapons, communication procedures and preparation of houses and apartments against air raids.
The German Model 1934 helmet was originally constructed of light green color. The curved vents ( 7 holes orientation “diamond” ) are pressed in the steel: They are commonly called “salt and pepper” type of vent. The RLB decal (ReichLuftschutzBund) that had been in use since 1933, was replaced by the “LUFTSCHUTZ” large-wing insignia in 1936.
Made of stamped steel, this M38 Beaded Luftschutz “Gladiator” Helmet is in VERY NICE condition! It retains approx. 95% original dark blue/grey paint, along with all the original split-rivets! Some marks, scratches, and wear, due to the age, but nothing that detracts. Decal is 99% complete. The inner skirt is maker marked “RL2 38/28”, with a decal indicating:
Vertrieb genehmigt
gemäß § 8 Luftschutzgesetz
Kopfweite 58
Höchstpreis RM 8.–
which translates to:
“Distribution approved
according to Section 8 Air protection legislation.
Head Width 58.
“Highest Price
8 Reichsmark”
The late style rubber/fabric liner is complete, but it features some wear and damage as you can see in the photos. The chin strap is broken/missing. A VERY NICE addition to any collection or display!
