{"product_id":"original-japanese-wwii-leather-winter-flying-helmet-with-pilot-s-cat-eye-goggles","title":"Original Japanese WWII Leather Winter Flying Helmet with Pilot’s Cat-Eye Goggles","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Items. Only One Set Available. This is a very good service worn Imperial Japanese Army aviation flying helmet accompanied by a pair of classic cat-eye pilot’s goggles. The helmet is constructed from medium brown leather and retains its five pointed Army star, rigid communications ear cups, functional chin and adjustment straps, interior Kanji markings, and worn cloth lining. The goggles retain their maroon aluminum frames, clear glass lenses, green velvet face pads, and original elastic headband.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flying helmet is assembled from eight separate sections of rich medium brown leather. The exterior shows substantial staining and wear consistent with prolonged use and later storage. A five pointed Imperial Japanese Army star is attached at the front. The insignia remains well retained, an important feature since these emblems are frequently missing from surviving helmets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet is not presently fur lined. Its interior instead retains remnants of a lightweight cloth lining. It is unclear whether the helmet was manufactured with this cloth lining or whether an original fur lining was removed at some point. The brown exterior also differs from the white leather commonly associated with some Japanese cold weather flying helmets, so a definite winter issue classification cannot be established from the available information.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior lining has extensive fraying and several tears. The exposed fabric should be handled carefully to prevent further separation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRigid hardened leather ear cups are fitted on both sides. Each cup has a central opening intended for the installation of communications receivers and related equipment. The ear cups remain complete but have become somewhat stiff with age, and are discolored on the exterior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior of one ear cup bears three separate Kanji cartouches. A fourth cartouche contains the numeral \u003cb\u003e3\u003c\/b\u003e. This most likely represents the helmet size, although the complete meaning of the markings cannot be confirmed without clear close photographs and translation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opposite ear cup is inscribed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eProperty of Akron Costume Shop\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis inscription was added long after WWII while the helmet was held as costume inventory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of the helmet straps remain functional. The buckles and adjustment tabs continue to operate correctly. The helmet exhibits heavy staining overall, particularly across the exterior leather. Despite this wear, the principal seams, star insignia, ear cups, straps, and fittings remain substantially intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying goggles are of the distinctive cat-eye pattern associated with Imperial Japanese Army aviators during WWII. The frames are constructed from maroon finished aluminum. The finish remains well retained with expected age and handling wear. Green velvet pads surround the lenses and rest against the wearer’s face. The velvet remains in good overall condition. The original elastic headband is present and complete.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth clear glass lenses remain intact. Their interior surfaces are extremely dirty and have accumulated substantial debris and residue. The exterior lens surfaces and the remainder of the goggles are comparatively clean. Any attempt to clean the inner surfaces should be undertaken cautiously to avoid damaging the glass, frame finish, or aged velvet padding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJapanese military flying helmets were designed to provide protection while allowing the installation of radio or intercom receivers. Construction varied by period, manufacturer, intended climate, and branch of service, and surviving examples often show alterations made during service or postwar use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe retained Army star, eight-panel leather shell, complete communications ear cups, Kanji cartouches, functional straps, and accompanying cat-eye goggles preserve the principal features of this Japanese aviation set. The heavily frayed lining, stiff ear cups, exterior staining, dirty lenses, and postwar costume-shop inscription are important condition and interpretive factors, but the set remains a substantial example of Imperial Japanese Army aircrew equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45487156101189,"sku":"ONSV26EMC007","price":550.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26EMC007__01.jpg?v=1785951943","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-japanese-wwii-leather-winter-flying-helmet-with-pilot-s-cat-eye-goggles","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}