Introduced in 1935 and discontinued in 1938, this helmet was standard issue for Luftwaffe motorcyclists, worn by couriers, scouts and escort elements. Designed for protection against crashes first and foremost, it was retired in favor of the stahlhelm, which provided less defense against a fall or slide but did much better against bullets and shrapnel. Overall construction is black leather, with heavily padded ribs around the edge and across the crown, a short sun visor, a black leather fold down neck protector with ear flaps, and a brown leather sweatband. The interior of the sweatband is marked "L.B.A.B.37", implying acquisition in 1937 and issue by a Luftwaffe depot in Berlin, and the interior of the helmet is marked "Gustav Vogel/Chemnitz/56" in white ink. Though not verified, there is a high chance that the cyclist who owned this helmet served as an escort or courier for or between some of the most important political and military offices of Berlin. A very rare helmet. Consignor indicates formerly of the George Peterson collection.

Very good, with a few light scuffs, stains and handling marks overall.