Helmet Description

At the time of its creation in 1935, the National Air Raid Protection League (Reichsluftschutzbund-RLB) chose to utilized a number of surplus helmets to protect its members.  As a non-military organization, the Reichsluftschutzbund was not authorized to receive military style combat helmets.  Since the organization was initially voluntary in nature, many members used World War I pattern Austrian helmets, privately manufactured World War I “style” helmets from the mid 1930’s, light-weight M1934 police helmets, and sometimes a variety of outdated firemen’s helmets.  The steel helmets were typically painted a gray-green color, although it is sometimes common to find helmets that have been repainted Luftschutz dark blue.  A few helmets with a powder blue color have also been observed but further information on these variations is not known.  Each helmet was equipped with a liner applicable to the helmet type.  This included three pad World War I style liners in the Austrian helmets, and the normal civilian style liners found in police helmets.  Helmets used by the National Air Protection League were required to have the Reichsluftschutzbund sunburst insignia placed on the front directly above the visor. 

The Austrian World War I Helmet with RLB Insignia

The Droop Billed M1934 Police Helmet with RLB Insignia

The Square Dip M1934 Police Helmet with RLB Insignia

RLB Main

Helmet Types

Helmet Insignia

Volksstrum-Saurland