Luftschutz M38 3 Piece Gladiator Helmet

Product Description: This Luftschutz M38 3 Piece Gladiator Helmet is a one-look all-original example of this helmet type. These helmets were worn by many types of civil functionaries including air raid wardens and some members of police and fire organizations. The shell is a three-piece version, and retains nearly all of the original smooth blue paint. Helmet is mostly free from dents, but the front edge show some rippling and denting.  The exterior paint has an attractive, uncleaned patina. The large and impressive Luftschutz winged swastika decal on the front of the helmet is nearly completely intact. The inside of this German Luftschutz Gladiator Helmet retains its original civil style leather liner and chinstrap, although both show flaws and wear.  The liner drawstring has ripped through on several of the liner fingers. The black leather double buckle chin strap is one of several styles used on these gladiator helmets.  It is complete, but has broken near one end. The inner paint has several spots of loss and minor corrosion as shown.  The inside back shows makers label. This helmet has great character and displays well. The overall condition rates as excellent.

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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