Extremely rare Double Decal NSDAP Guards Gladiator Helmet

Description

Extremely rare Double Decal NSDAP Guards Gladiator Helmet (Stahlhelm M38). On 26 September 1938 a specific helmet for RLB (Reichsluftschutzbund) personnel was introduced that incorporated a raised horizontal bead between the visors and crown. These helmets were commonly called the "Gladiator" style helmet. This is a one-piece M38 type Luftschutz helmet which has been reissued in the NSDAP as a guards helmet. The helmet received a repaint in NSDAP brown, the paint is showing minimal traces of usage. The helmet has two specific NSDAP decals, one being a decal with NSDAP eagle (not to be confused with the Police decal), the other being a Swastika decal. Both decals are present for about 95%. The helmet is complete with its original artificial leather liner and late war plastic type chinstrap. There is a small damage to the liner, the material is still supple. The reverse interior neck guard apron is showing a red square shaped decal with the script 'Eigentum der Gauleitung Sachsen der NSDAP' (Property of the Gau Leadership Saxonia of the NSDAP). This is one of the rarest third reich helmets missing from most helmet collections. Only about a dozen of these helmets are known in collections worldwide. I found this helmet from a private household in the Netherlands from a elderly man who collected some helmets in the 50s and obtained all helmets from private households in Groningen in the Netherlands, he found 2 of these helmets in Groningen (the second is also offered for sale in our webshop). I know of a third NSDAP helmet found in Groningen making the total of 3 helmets left behind in 1945 in Groningen. Unfortunately I don't know for which purpose these helmets have been used in Holland at the end of the war. Extremely rare original NSDAP helmet in very good condition!