Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of the SSK 90. Officially adopted by the Luftwaffe on 8 May 1941, the SSK 901 helmet was manufactured exclusively by the Siemens Company. The helmet was made out of interlocking and hinged steel plates that were designed to protect the head from shrapnel. The entire assembly was then covered with thick padding and dark brown leather identical to that found on standard air crew helmets. Each side of the helmet had an "ear cut-out" that was designed to accommodate the earphones found on the cloth and leather flight helmets. The chinstrap assembly utilized components identical to that found on German paratrooper helmets including the buckle, leather, and snaps. A large protruding pad (or comb) running from the front visor to the crown was designed to protect the head from direct frontal impact during crash landings or aerial combat. A variation in the SSK 90 configuration also existed in a helmet designated the LKH W. This helmet was identical in manufacture save for the fact that it had a long sloping neck protector and no chinstrap. The LKH W was often found with an embroidered Luftwaffe eagle sewn to the front.

Due to the weight of the steel plates inside the SSK 90 helmet it was eventually withdrawn from service on 26 May 1941. Having been used for only a short period of time, the helmet became essentially obsolete although some continued to see service after 1941.

This example is in good / very good condition complete with inner lining still intact and a makers label that reads:

Easily fits a 60cm head (US 7/12), the leather comb and steel plates are still present, and have not torn off of through the helmet edges. It has however seen significant use, as indicated by the wear both inside and outside the helmet. There are some areas on the dome where the leather is torn and the inner steel plates can be seen. Also, unfortunately all of the original chin strap is missing, so this is just the helmet. The retainer loops and snaps are still present however, so if a chin strap was found, it should be able to be installed.

Very seldom seen, ready to display!

Having been used for a short time, the SSK 90 is a scarce pre-jet age flight helmet. It should be noted that for many years, collectors incorrectly assumed that the SSK 90 helmet was specifically made for pilots flying the Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter and therefore incorrectly labeled the SSK 90 as a "jet fighter helmet".