Item Description
Original Items: Only One Set Available. This collection of headgear is a remarkable set worn in conjunction by Aircrews and Pilots during the Second World War. The set comprises a complete display of items that are ready to be showcased. Each item in the set is in great condition, with signs of faithful wear and tear, but without any extensive damage. It is quite rare to find such a complete set of these items in such a remarkable condition. These headgear items were definitely not just for show, but were used during the war. This makes them more special and valuable as they carry with them the history of the war and the brave men who wore them.
The Items In This Lot:
- M4A2 Flak Helmet - Complete: This is an excellent hard to find USAAF WWII issue M4 A2 Flak Helmet in almost unissued condition. World War Two American bomber crews in the skies over Europe needed something more than their leather flying helmets to provide them with shrapnel injuries, however it took a surprisingly long time for a new helmet to be developed and deployed to meet that need. Not until December of 1943 did the M3 reach the ETO, it was the first of three versions of the American flak helmet. The M4 followed in June 1944, and in January 1945, the M5 was introduced.
Like the previous model, the M4 is a three-piece steel helmet comprising a skull and deep hinged ear-flaps. However, to combat issues with the cold, the M4 has the steel components wrapped in fabric. This also allows the helmet to be worn directly on the head or hood of the flight suit, so there is no separate liner. The M1-style front brim was removed, and the chin strap was now made of leather with a suede interior, like a winter flight helmet.
The interior has a clear manufacturer's label that reads:
HELMET, M4A2
Drawing 20-24-33 9
Industrial Canvas Prod. Corp.
So. Bend. Ind.
W-11-022-ORD-5715
LOT DATE
- AN-H-15 Helmet: Made by BATES SHOE CO. in Size LARGE offered in very good condition. The helmet does not appear to have been worn much. Chin strap is intact and excellent, and all markings are visible. The calf-skin lined areas are very nice, and all of the snaps are still attached.
- B-8 Flying Goggles by Polaroid With Case: The goggles are in very good condition, and are the regular issued ones. The lenses are tinted (with extras in box) and the elastic no longer stretches.
- Oxygen Mask Type A-14 manufactured by The Ohio Chemical and Mfg. Co: Size medium and offered in wonderful condition with minor cracking of age around the edges.
- T-30 throat microphone: The microphone comes with a rubber neckpiece and integral wiring loom with the PL-354 jack plug present. Also fitted with an elastic neckband (M-199). The throat microphone is in excellent condition with storage wear only although the strap lacks elasticity. Many AAF oxygen masks were worn without an integral microphone and these throat microphones were used instead. They were also used by aircrews wearing headsets, often over 'crusher' caps.
A wonderful set ready for further research and display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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