German Red Cross Medical M38 Gladiator Helmet with Decal (Stahlhelm M38). The RLB (Reichsluftschutzbund) was an official national organization tasked with all aspects of civil air raid defence. 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 an M38 type Luftschutz helmet, complete with its original size '55' liner, it comes without chinstrap. The helmet has been period overpainted in white paint with a large red cross on top, most likely for medical usages by the German Red Cross (DRK) or any similar organization. The reverse interior neck guard apron is nicely marked 'RL2 39/21' indicating production in 1939. Decorative original medical helmet in good used condition!

This helmet originates from the collection of the recently closed Eyewitness Museum and was in display in the diorama in the last picture!