Decal Description

Helmets used by the National Air Protection League (Reichsluftschutzbund-RLB) were required to have the Reichsluftshutzbund sunburst insignia placed on the front directly above the visor.  The insignia took the form of a large star-shaped decal with swastika crested by blue script forming the letters “RLB”¹.  These decals were commonly available to member volunteers and many were sold by local chemists (drug store shops) and retail outlets authorized to distribute National Socialist related items. 

No other form of insignia is known to have been officially used by the National Air Protection League. With more than 22 million members serving in the Reichsluftschutzbund, one would think that these helmets would be common within collecting circles.  However, it would appear that helmets of this kind are in fact few in number.  Despite this, they are not considered exceptionally rare or exceedingly desirable.

¹ Collectors should be aware that a number of water-slide and dry-transfer reproductions of this decal have produced over the last decade.  These generally fall short of the quality found in original examples.

The RLB Decal Insignia (original example)

RLB Main

Helmet Types

Helmet Insignia

Volksstrum-Sauerland