Germany, Third Reich. A Luftschutz Gladiator Helmet, Three-Piece Version, by Paul Diener

(Luftschutz Stahlhelm). A well-preserved Luftschutz Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of multiple panels of magnetic molybdenum steel and retaining the vast majority of its original dark slate-grey paint. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference for the accommodation of the interior fixtures, while the crown is flanked on each side by dual sets of ventilation holes consisting of seven eyelets each. The peak retains a mostly-intact Luftschutz decal executed in silver-grey with a transparent base, measuring 120 mm (w) x 35 mm (h). The transition point of the crown and skirt features a raised “bead” fully surrounding the shell, while the wide gladiator-style skirt is flanked by a seam where the individual pieces have been soldered together. The interior features a rigid brown leatherette ring surrounding the inner circumferences, in turn retaining a three-piece brown leather liner which culminates in six fingers, each perforated with an eyelet through which is looped an original drawstring. A multi-piece blackened leather chinstrap emanates from the liner and adjusts with functional magnetic metal buckles. The back of the skirt is marked with a white ink stamp indicating that the helmet was constructed in accordance with Luftschutz regulations and is a size 58. Also stamped onto the back of the skirt is a code of “RL2-38/28” indicating manufacture by Paul Diener, Dresden.Demonstrating only minor and age-appropriate fatigue to the leather elements, this helmet remains in an extremely fine condition.