Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent original Imperial Japanese WWII Army Air Service summer flying helmet accompanied by a set of period velvet-lined aviation goggles, a partial original carrying case, and a marked velvet cleaning cloth. The helmet is made from supple tan leather and retains its five-pointed Army star, hardened leather ear cups, complete straps, functional buckles, worn interior lining, and several Japanese markings.

The helmet is constructed from multiple shaped sections of soft tan leather joined to form a close-fitting flying helmet. A five-pointed leather star is attached to the front, identifying the helmet with the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service. Comparable summer helmets were produced in several shades of leather but generally shared the same multi-panel construction, molded ear cups, chinstrap, rear adjustment strap, and fittings for retaining flying goggles.

Both hardened leather ear cups remain complete. Each has a central opening intended for the installation of communication receivers or related radio equipment. No receivers are currently fitted.

The straps remain complete and functional, with the buckles, tabs, and fasteners operating correctly. The leather remains notably supple for its age and shows expected creasing, surface wear, staining, and handling marks from use and storage.

The interior retains its original cloth lining, which appears to have been hand finished or hand stitched in places. The lining shows substantial wear, staining, fraying, and age-related deterioration but remains largely present.

Japanese Kanji markings are visible inside one of the ear cups. These have not yet been fully translated and may identify the manufacturer, date, size, inspector, or original owner. Clear photographs of the markings may allow a specialist to provide a more complete translation.

Included with the helmet is a set of original Japanese aviation goggles with metal frames and soft velvet face pads. This general “cat-eye” style was worn by both Japanese Army and Navy aviators during WWII.

The goggles show expected age and service wear but remain highly presentable. The velvet lining is still attached, while the frames, lenses, and strap should be reviewed carefully in the accompanying photographs for their precise condition.

The goggles are accompanied by part of their original carrying case. The case retains its drawstring closure, although one end is missing. The remaining material shows age, fading, wear, and deterioration but continues to provide an important original accessory for the goggles.

Also included is an original velvet cleaning cloth marked with an aircraft insignia above wording interpreted as:

FUKAZAWA AIRCRAFT
KANAGAWASAKI

The exact translation and company identification have not been independently confirmed. The marking may refer to an aviation supplier, retailer, manufacturer, or facility in the Kanagawa area and offers excellent potential for further research.

Condition is very good overall for a complete leather flying helmet and goggle grouping of this age. The helmet remains supple and retains its star, ear cups, straps, buckles, and lining. The goggles retain their velvet pads, while the partial case and marked cleaning cloth add considerably to the historical and display interest of the set.

The combination of the complete Army summer flying helmet, period aviator goggles, partial original case, marked cleaning cloth, and untranslated interior Kanji makes this an especially attractive and research-worthy grouping of Imperial Japanese WWII aviation equipment.