Luftschutz Gladiator Helmet

Product Description: Nice examples of the Luftschutz Gladiator Helmet have become harder to find in recent years. This one has a lot going for it. The exterior is nice and clean, with only light wear to the original blue paint finish. The winged swastika Luftschutz decal on the front is outstanding, almost completely intact, with original luster. The interior is complete with its original liner and chinstrap. The liner has tabs for a leather “skirt” and has a leather pad in the dome to protect the wearer’s head. There is a leather drawstring present. It appears that this liner may possibly have been oiled at some point in the past. The chin strap is an early type, with some hand sewing affixing the functional spring clip that may be a very old repair. The interior of the shell has some scattered light marks. Its stamped “RL 38/28” indicating manufacture by the firm of Paul Diener in Dresden, an iconic producer of these. The original decal in the skirt gives the size, 56. The decal certifies that the helmet is in compliance with Luftschutz regulations and states that the helmet cannot be sold for more than 8 Reichsmarks. This is a really attractive Luftschutz gladiator helmet overall, with a decal that is at least 95 percent intact.

Historical Description: German political and civil authorities began preparing for Allied air raids even before WWII started. The Reichs-Luftschutz-Bund (RLB), under the auspices of the German Luftwaffe, was the primary organization responsible for air raid protection and readiness. Shelters were constructed all over the German Reich, and civilians were issued gas masks. Members of the RLB wore many different kinds of uniforms and equipment, from fine regalia used in parades to work coveralls and protective equipment and gear for firefighting. After the outbreak of the war, the role of the Luftschutz was expanded, and other organizations were brought under the Luftschutz umbrella, including the Luftschutz-Warndienst, Luftschutzpolizei, and the Sicherheits- und Hilfsdienst. The men and women of the Luftschutz were tasked with extinguishing fires caused by incendiary bombs, often with nothing more than buckets of sand or water with hand pups. They maintained order in air raid bunkers and provided first aid to those injured in the bombings. In the day and night raids on the bombed-out cities, and even during the horrific firestorms that took the lives of thousands, the Luftschutz were on duty.

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