WWII 1936 GERMAN Luftschutz Gladiator helmet used in Bulgaria, 3pcs. This German Ally’s Luftschutz helmet, the so-called Gladiator; type, was used in the Bulgarian Royal army during the WWII. These helmets have been produced in Germany by order of Bulgarian army and designed to be used in the Bulgarian army unit called Protivovazdushna i Himimicheska Zashtita; – Anti-Air and Chemical Defense. Few of them used also in Bulgarian police and gendarmerie. The helmet has been stored in a military stock storage. The helmet is of 3 pieces construction, has two groups of seven ventilation holes to either side of the crown. Retains its original green paint (see condition on the pictures provided below) , unfortunately it received spot of rust too. Rarely preserved decal with Bulgarian national Lion symbol. All traditional Bulgarian Monarchic symbols were forbidden by law during the communist rule in Bulgaria. The decal represents a shield, the left part in the National colors /white-green-red/, the right part in black-white-black. There is a smaller red shield at the center of the shield with a standing lion inside. On the upper part in a dark blue line are 4 Cyrillic letters abbreviation of the Anti-air corps name. Interior of the helmet; keeps a three pad, WWI style, leather liner with each pad having two fingers. Helmet completes with blackened leather chin straps. Very good condition leather parts. The reverse interior neck guard is stamped with Germans producer’s mark from 1938 – R. Liner in size L, EU 58 – 59. Marks also inside he rivets – D&C stamp. Helmet in authentic VG condition! History notes: Formed in late 1932 the Deutsches Luftschutzverband, German Air Protection League, was a voluntary organization designed to provide Civil air raid protection in large civilian centers. Shortly after Hitler ascended to power the Deutsches Luftschutzverband was restructured and placed under the supervision of the Reichsluftfahrtministerium – National Air Ministry under the control of Hermann ring. On April 29TH 1933 the Deutsches Luftschutzverband was renamed RLB, Reichs Luftschutz Bund – National Air Raid Protection League and was given the status of an official National organization tasked with all aspects of Civil Air Raid defense. The RLB remained a voluntary organization with a small personnel of paid, full-time uniformed officials to be in charge of the organization until June 1935 when obligatory service was introduced. Only the most basic uniform and equipment items were supplied to the personnel, with the rest having to be bought personally by members. On September 26TH 1938 a specific helmet for RLB personnel was introduced that incorporated a raised horizontal bead; between the visors and crown. These helmets commonly called the Gladiator; style were supplemented with M35, M40 and M42 helmets that also incorporated a raised horizontal bead; between the visors and crown. The item “WWII 1936 GERMAN Luftschutz Gladiator helmet used in Bulgaria, 3pcs, rare Decal” is in sale since Monday, February 15, 2021. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\WW II (1939-45)\Original Period Items\Germany\Hats & Helmets”. The seller is “mishelov” and is located in St. Zagora. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany