BACKGROUND: 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 Hitler 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 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 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. The French were the first to have a general issue, "modern ", steel helmet in WWI and developed the classic "Adrian" style helmet in early 1915 followed by the British army later that year and by the German’s in 1916. The Russians were given two million "Adrian" helmets by the French as a temporary solution till Russia could begin production of their own helmet. Many different styles of helmet were produced until the SSh-39, whose shell design was used until 1968. The SSh-39 was replaced by the SSh 40, which, although outwardly identical, had a different liner arrangement, and a correspondingly different rivet pattern.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The steel shell retains about 90% of it’s original dark blue Luftschutz over paint. The front center of the helmet has a Luftschutz emblem decal in place. 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 is retained about 75% with some minor chafe wear. All three small dome headed liner retaining rivets intact. Later patter cloth and oilcloth liner is all complete. Nice, complete, two piece webbed chinstrap. Serial number stamped to rear neck along with several Russian stampings in black ink. The helmet is in very good condition with some minor soiling on the liner and chinstrap. Seems to be a fairly large size, around a 58. Scarce example.