BACKGROUND: Formed in late 1932 the Deutscher Luftschutzverband, (German Air Protection League), was a voluntary organization designed to provide civil air raid protection in large civilian centers. Shortly after Hitler ascension to power the Deutscher Luftschutzverband was restructured and placed under the supervision of the RLM, Reichsluftfahrtministerium, (National Air Ministry), under the control of Hermann Göring. On April 29^TH 1933 the Deutscher 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 defence. The RLB remained a voluntary organization with a small cadre of paid, full-time, uniformed officials to oversee the organizations 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 26^TH 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.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The three piece, stamped, sheet steel construction Luftschutz M38 "Gladiator" style helmet shell retains about 85% of its original, smooth, dark satin blue painted finish with minor surface spotting bleeding through the paint and a couple of small splotches of white paint. The front center of the helmet has a Luftschutz emblem decal in place which is retained about 75% with a couple of small scrapes and scuffs. The black detailed, silver decal features stylized spread wings with a central oak-leaf sprig and a canted swastika positioned below a scripted banner, "Luftschutz". The decal has taken on a dark yellowish patina. The helmet has two groups of seven "salt & pepper" ventilation holes to either side of the crown. All four of the small, flat headed, liner retaining rivets are intact. The helmet has an embossed, horizontal, beaded rim between the crown and the visor/neck guard. The visor/neck guard has a semi-circular "ear" cut-out and a brazed, vertical, seam to either side. The interior of the helmet has about three/quarters of the pressed cardboard liner retaining band remaining but the liner and the chinstrap are absent. The reverse interior neck guard apron is well marked with the deeply stamped markings, "RL-2 40/14".

GRADE ***                             PRICE $179.00