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.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: 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 retained about 98%. All three liner retaining rivets and both inset ventilation bushings are all intact. The interior of the helmet has a ersatz, six finger liner. Three of the liner tips are torn. Shell is stamped with the manufacturers code and size, "Q62" indicating manufacture by F.W. Quist, G.m.b.H. Esslingen, size 62. Chinstrap is missing.