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 Reichsluftfahrtministerium, (National Ministry of Aviation), 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 stamped, sheet steel construction, M35 style helmet with the addition of an embossed horizontal "bead" positioned at the apex of the front and rear visors and crown retains about 85% of its original, dark blue, satin finish with numerous small surface spots bleeding through the paint. The front center of the helmet has some scuffs and scrapes where the Luftschutz emblem decal was usually applied. All three liner retaining rivets are intact. The interior of the helmet has a M31 seven finger, civic style, ersatz tan fabric liner with all seven fingers and the original tie string intact. The liner is in overall very good condition with light age and usage toning and the fabric is still quite pliable. The liner has no visible size marking. The liners cardboard retaining band and all three of the natural cork spacers positioned between the liner and the helmet shell are intact. The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is serial number stamped, "DN300", and the left side apron has the stamped manufacturer’s code and size, "Q64", indicating manufacture by F.W. Quist, G.m.b.H. Esslingen, size 62. The helmet comes complete with a civic style, blackened leather chinstrap with a sliding, sheet metal, length adjustment buckle and a spring loaded, sheet metal, securing buckle. The chinstrap is rivetted to the cardboard helmet liner band. The chinstrap is in overall good, supple condition.

GRADE ***3/4                             PRICE $298.00