Germany, Third Reich. A Luftschutz M42 Steel Helmet

(Reichsluftschutzbund Stahlhelm M42). A rare and well-preserved Luftschutz M42 steel helmet, constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains the majority of its period dark grey-blue paint. The shell is flanked by two integral ventilation holes, while three additional rivets are distributed around the outer circumference to secure the internal fixtures in place. The peak retains a period Luftschutz decal, consisting of a pair of stylized wings joined together at the centre by a mobile swastika, in turn topped by an banner bearing an inscription of “LUFTSCHUTZ” (“AIR PROTECTION”), which remains largely intact with the notable exception of the missing tip of the left wing (viewed from the front). A raised bead fully surrounds the lower edge of the crown where the helmet flares into a skirt. The rim remains uncrimped in classic M42 style. The interior retains an original canvas liner which consists of eight fingers, each perforated at the top with an eyelet through which is looped a period original drawstring, padded against the shell by three sections of layered cork. Stamped onto the back of the skirt is a partially-legible maker’s mark. Visible on the liner is a handwritten owner’s name, possibly reading “RATH”. The helmet measures approximately 25.5 cm (w) x 28 cm (w) x 13 cm (h). It demonstrates minor, age-appropriate issues in addition to the compromised decal, including poor application of paint likely owing to late-war quality control issues, with sporadic scratching and surface oxidation visible throughout the shell, in additional to fatigue and soiling of the interior liner and the loss of the helmet’s chinstrap. An uncommon example of a Luftschutz M42 helmet, it remains in a better than very fine condition.