Luftschutz Beaded M35 Steel Helmet, MINT (Luftschutz Stahlhelm M35)
Price: $550
BUY / RESERVE THIS ITEMDescription: 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. The helmet retains a good portion of its original dark blue satin finish. 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 nearly 100%. All three liner retaining rivets and both inset ventilation bushings are all intact & mint. The interior of the helmet has a size 56 buff colored leather six finger liner that is mint having never been used. Full original chinstrap is mint. Shell is stamped with the manufacturer’s code and size, “Q64 ” indicating manufacture by F.W. Quist, G.m.b.H. Esslingen/size 62; If you want the best example, this is it. MINT Condition.
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. In April 1933 the Deutsches Luftschutzverband was renamed RLB, ReichsLuftschutzBund, (National Air Raid Protection League) and was given status as an official national organization tasked with all aspects of civil air raid defense. In September 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.
