BACKGROUND: Formed in late 1932 the Deutscher 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 Deutscher 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 Deutscher 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: The single piece, stamped sheet steel construction Luftschutz M39 "Gladiator" style helmet retains a good portion of its original, smooth, dark satin blue painted 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 helmet has two groups of seven "salt & pepper" ventilation holes to either side of the crown. All three of the slightly domed headed, liner retaining rivets are intact. The helmet has an embossed horizontal beaded rim between the crown and the visor/neck guard. The visor/neck guard has a semi-circular "ear" cut-out to either side. Complete original liner and chinstrap. Size marked 56. Harder to find one piece M39.