Luftschutz re-issued Polish WZ31 Helmet
Polish WZ31 Helmet which has been re-issued to the 'Luftschutz', complete with decal. 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. Beside these specific Luftschutz type helmets a large amount of captured helmets from foreign nations were re-issued for Luftschutz purposes. This is a Polish WZ31 Helmet which has been re-issued to the Luftschutz. A Luftschutz decal is placed on front, the decal is present for about 95%, on the inside the helmet has partly been repainted in Luftschutz blue-grey. The interior is complete with the original Polish liner having 3 liner pads, these show wear and are connected with a leather tie string. The helmet is nicely marked 'LUDWIKOW 51 38'. The Polish type chinstrap is complete and present as well. This is the hardest to find variant Luftschutz helmet. Extremely rare original helmet in very good condition!