Germany, Third Reich. A Luftschutz Gladiator Helmet, Owner-Attributed One-Piece Version, by F.W. Quist

 (Luftschutz Stahlhelm). A well-preserved Luftschutz Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains the vast majority of its original dark slate-grey paint. Four 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. The interior features four cork pads, fixed in place with shell rivets, in turn accommodating a light brown leather liner which culminates in eight fingers, each perforated at the top with an eyelet through which is looped the remnants of an original drawstring. A multi-piece blackened leather chinstrap emanates from the liner and adjusts with a functional magnetic metal buckle. 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 “RL2-39/21” indicating manufacture by F.W. Quist, Esslingen. Notably, the liner also bears a price stamp of “RM 8.50” and a handwritten owner’s surname. The helmet measures approximately 25.5 cm (w) x 30.5 cm (l) x 16.5 cm (h). Demonstrating only minor and age-appropriate fatigue to the leather elements, this helmet remains in an extremely fine condition.