Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB) Membership Book – Ortsgruppe Steyr-Kirchdorf (38–41)

This is an original Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB) membership booklet belonging to Josef Gresspulbauer , a member of the Ortsgruppe Steyr-Kirchdorf , part of the Landesgruppe Ostmark (Austria) following the 1938 annexation.

RLB documents from Austrian districts—especially early post-Anschluss examples—are highly collectible due to their transitional administrative structure and limited local membership.

The booklet is complete with its original cover, internal membership details, dues stamps, and official purple RLB district stamps.

Name: Josef Gresspulbauer
Residence: Rossleiten Nr. 24, Bezirk Kirchdorf (Upper Austria)
Member since: 1 October 1938
Annual Fee: 1.20 RM

The membership number is 19628 , written in blue ink.

Multiple clear stamps of the local Austrian RLB district:

“Reichsluftschutzbund – Landesgruppe Österreich – Orts-/Kreisgruppe Steyr-Kirchdorf”

These stamps are deep violet and remain sharp and fully legible.

The booklet contains numerous 10 Pfennig RLB contribution stamps , neatly affixed:

• Two pink RLB stamps for the Beitragsjahr 1940/41 (May and October)

• Additional loose stamps included (visible next to the booklet), ideal for display

These stamps are a key collectible component, as they demonstrate active membership over time.

Purpose of the RLB Membership Book

The Reichsluftschutzbund was the national air-raid protection organization of the Third Reich. Membership books such as this one:

• Documented a civilian's enrollment in air-raid protection services

• Verified payment of monthly or annual dues

• Served as proof of participation in air-raid drills, blackout enforcement, and civilian protection measures

• Provided authorization to wear RLB insignia and participate in training events

After 1938, Austrian regions were reorganized under the Landesgruppe Österreich , making documents from this transitional period especially interesting for collectors.

Condition

• Cover shows light age toning and small rust traces at the staple binding

• All ink stamps and handwriting remain crisp and clear

• Dues pages intact with several period-correct RLB stamps applied

• Additional unused stamps preserved in excellent color

• No missing pages

A very solid example with great visual character.

Why This Item Is Collectible

• Early Austrian RLB membership (immediately post-Anschluss)

• Named, dated, and fully stamped documentation

• Includes original RLB dues stamps—highly desirable in themselves

• Shows authentic civil defense organization structure at local level

• Perfect for displays that combine homefront , civil defense , air-raid protection , or Ostmark administration themes

A well-preserved and atmospheric Reichsluftschutzbund membership document from the Steyr-Kirchdorf district—an excellent addition to any WWII civil defense collection.

Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB) Membership Book – Ortsgruppe Steyr-Kirchdorf (38–41)