Original Third Reich RLB M43 Helmet

Hard to find early pre-war Luftshutz helmet still having the first pattern RLB (‘Reichsluftschutzbund’) decal on the front. The helmet is an early pattern M34 light weight helmet with so called ‘salt shaker’ ventilation holes. Complete with liner and chin strap (buckle part missing).

The National air protection league was formed in 1933 and made up of civilian volunteers. The helmet insignia changed to the winged Luftschutz decal in 1938 (source L Baer), the helmets also received a different paint color. RLB decals are only observed on light weight M34 shells. Helmets are predominantly found with apple or pea green paint , earlier examples have grey paint.