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, Reichs Luftfahrt Ministerium, (National Ministry of Aviation), under the control of Hermann Göring. On April 29TH 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 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 and came in four slightly different versions with the three piece M38 model, the single and two piece, M39 models and the single piece M44 model which did away with the horizontal "bead". The "Gladiator" style helmets were also 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 retains about 90% of its original, smooth, dark satin blue painted finish. The front center of the helmet has a Luftschutz emblem decal in place which is retained over 98%. 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 faint yellowish patina. The helmet has two groups of seven "salt & pepper" ventilation holes to either side of the crown. All three 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 a WWI style, three pad, leather liner with a pressed cardboard retaining band with a black oilcloth covering intact. All three of the age and usage darkened leather pads feature two fingers with drawstring holes to each, and padding pockets to the reverse. The original tie string is also intact as is a secondary string that has been period added. All three of the narrow, natural cork spacer situated between the liner and the shell are intact. The helmet comes complete with a wide, blackened leather chinstrap with dual, black painted, sliding, oval, steel length adjustment buckles. The chinstrap is rivetted to the cardboard helmet liner band. Nice complete, worn example that saw use.