DESCRIPTION
In 1938 the Reichsluftschutzbund was transformed into the Luftschutz (LS) Air Defense. The helmets got a new dark blue color (as opposed to the grey and green of the RLB) and also a new decal was placed on these helmets. It changed from a voluntary service to a compulsory one in 1943 and women were from then on not to be excluded
This example represents an early war example circa 1935-38 while M34 square dip model helmets were still being issued. The helmet is a very early pattern, with vent holes that protrude outwards. Later models of the M34 had flat vents. The Luftschutz officially only were issued these helmets from 1935 until 1938 making these quite rare compared to other models. Later in the war they went with beaded helmets and gladiator style. The helmet is completely untouched since the war and is a direct vet bring back from the grand daughter who recently sold it to us. The front LS decal is 100% original as is the dark blue paint and helmet liner. The chinstrap is also original to the helmet but sadly was broken at some point and so the buckle is no longer present.
Square dip helmets are rather more rare as they did not produce them in large volumes as compared to beaded style and gladiator helmets were are much more commonly seen in the marketplace.
$300
Please call, text or email me if interested.
Tel/Text: 1-438-502-5052
Email Us: helmetsofwar@gmail.com
GERMAN HELMET FACTORY PRODUCTION CODES
(Every original German helmet produced from 1935 to 45 had two factory stampings punched into the side and rear or both in the rear. The alpha numeric number refers to the factory location and the inside metric circumference in centimeters. The rear lot number refers to the production run and was used as a quality control measure. The font styles used at each factory were slightly different but highly consistent throughout the war and so fakes or reproductions will either not have these numbers at all or they will use the wrong font style or letter spacing and so are easily identified as post war made.)
(FS or EF)-Emaillierwerke AG, Fulda, Germany
(ET or ckl)-Eisenhuttenwerke, Thale, Germany
(Q)-Quist, Esslingen, Germany
(NS)-Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke, Schwerte, Germany
(SE or hkp)-Sachsische Emaillier u. Stanzwerke, Lauter, Germany
