{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-navy-usn-mk2-talker-flak-helmet-with-rare-d173013-headset-and-microphone-1","title":"Original U.S. WWII Navy USN MK2 Talker Flak Helmet with Rare D173013 Headset and Microphone","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. The MkII \"Talker\" helmet was developed in 1942 for naval personnel, allowing communications headgear to be easily worn under the helmet. It was a very large and somewhat ungainly helmet to wear though it did serve its purpose very well. It was designed to accommodate wearing headphones for Radiomen or anyone using shipboard sound-powered phones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mk-2 was manufactured by the McCord Radiator Company in Detroit Michigan; the \"Arsenal of Democracy\". Its composition is non-magnetic Hadfield manganese steel. In addition to accommodating headphones, it also provided a great deal of protection to the wearer. The bowl is so wide it even provided some coverage to the shoulders of the sailor who was underneath it. Painted sea blue the Mk II, like the Mk I, has cork applied with the paint to provide a textured, non-reflective surface. Nicely stamped on the front inside rim with \u003cstrong\u003eMK2\u003c\/strong\u003e next to heat lot number \u003cstrong\u003e117A\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIt also has the correct \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMK-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eU.S.N.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e markings on the front and rear interior, respectively. The leather chinstrap however is missing, which is typical.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost interesting of all is a very rare complete \u003cb\u003eD173013\u003c\/b\u003e communication rig by Western Electric, which is complete with earphones, chest microphone, and the almost always missing NECK STRAP.  The data plate on the red bakelite chest housing reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWESTERN ELECTRIC\u003cbr\u003eMADE IN U.S.A.\u003cbr\u003eD173013\u003cbr\u003eTYPE M SER. NO. 889725\u003cbr\u003eR 17 T 23 (INT)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of the components also is marked with \u003cstrong\u003eWESTERN ELECTRIC\u003c\/strong\u003e and the individual component number as part of the set. Complete sets are very rare, especially ones that have not had parts swapped out. Condition is very good, though the insulation on the earphone cords has started to crack and fall off. Also comes with at least 6 feet of the wire for connecting to the console, with the correct end plug.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese helmets have become much harder to find lately, especially genuine WW2 examples with a complete undamaged liner and legible markings.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31851025662021,"sku":"ON12175","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ON12175A__02.jpg?v=1600444889","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-navy-usn-mk2-talker-flak-helmet-with-rare-d173013-headset-and-microphone-1","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}