Original Items: Only One Available. This is a rather interesting example of a WWI Imperial German Luftstreitkräfte pilot’s helmet. This appears to almost be a private purchase item but after a closer inspection on the interior, it revealed a red DRGM stamp, meaning it was a copyrighted German made item.

The helmet is in lovely condition, but unfortunately the rabbit fur lining is separating from the helmet’s shell. There are no stamps that can be found other than the D.R.G.M. stamp on the inside between the layers. The flight helmet is complete with all the intended buckles, snaps and chin strap. The included goggles remain unidentified but in lovely condition. There are no markings present except an S and the lenses. The eye cups are made out of bakelite and feature vents on the side, also in very good condition. The elasticity on the strap is non-existent due to age degradation.

Both items come more than ready for further research and display!

The Deutsche Luftstreitkräfte known before October 1916 as Die Fliegertruppen des deutschen Kaiserreiches (Imperial German Flying Corps) abbreviated to Die Fliegertruppe—was the air arm of the Imperial German Army. In English-language sources it is usually referred to as the Imperial German Air Service, although that is not a literal translation of either name. German naval aviators of the Marine-Fliegerabteilung were an integral part of the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine). Both military branches operated airplanes, observation balloons and airships.

The Imperial German Army created an experimental balloon company inspired by the American balloon corps they had seen while observing the American Civil War, with varying forms of organization from 1884 to 1901 until a Balloon Battalion was finally formed. The rapid development of aeronautics led to trials of airships and the choice of rigid types built by Zeppelin and Schutte-Lanz. The first military aircraft to be acquired by the German Army entered service in 1910 and the first five aviation battalions were established on 1 October 1913. The Imperial German Air Service (Die Fliegertruppen des deutschen Kaiserreiches) and other branches concerned with air matters such as anti-aircraft, home defense and air intelligence were unified in the Luftstreitkräfte on 8 October 1916.

The duties of such aircraft were initially intended to be reconnaissance and artillery spotting in support of the armies, just as balloons had been used during the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871) and as far back as the Battle of Fleurus (1794) during the French Revolutionary Wars. The French Aviation Militaire (army air service) was created in 1909 and became the Aéronautique Militaire in 1912.[6] The Air Battalion of the Royal Engineers, with two companies, was established in November 1911. The Royal Flying Corps, RFC with a military wing and a naval wing was formed in February 1912.