{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-usaaf-bomber-crew-m4a2-flak-helmet-1","title":"Original U.S. WWII USAAF Bomber Crew M4A2 Flak Helmet","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent hard to find USAAF WWII issue M4 A2 Flak Helmet in almost unissued condition. World War Two American bomber crews in the skies over Europe needed something more than their leather flying helmets to provide them with shrapnel injuries, however it took a surprisingly long time for a new helmet to be developed and deployed to meet that need. Not until December of 1943 did the M3 reach the ETO, it was the first of three versions of the American flak helmet. The M4 followed in June 1944, and in January 1945, the M5 was introduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLike the previous model, the M4 is a three-piece steel helmet comprising a skull and deep hinged ear-flaps. However, to combat issues with the cold, the M4 has the steel components wrapped in fabric. This also allows the helmet to be worn directly on the head or hood of the flight suit, so there is no separate liner. The M1-style front brim was removed, and the chin strap was now made of leather with a chamois interior, like a winter flight helmet. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior has a clear manufacturer's label that reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHELMET, M4A2\u003cbr\u003eDrawing 20-24-33\u003cbr\u003eIndustrial Canvas Prod. Corp.\u003cbr\u003eW-11-022-ORD-5952\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the tag, the last 4 numbers are crossed out with \u003cstrong\u003e5715\u003c\/strong\u003e written in. something we haven't seen before.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is offered in good service used condition, complete with the leather chinstrap, so often missing. It does have some wear on the bottom of both ear flaps, so the internal steel plates can be seen. There is also wear to the canvas exterior, so this is definitely a service used example. The chin strap also has wear, and is almost split through at one point due to leather degradation. The buckle it attaches to is also incomplete, so the chin strap cannot be fastened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great chance to pick up a hard to find service worn WWII Bomber Crew helmet. Ready to add to your collection!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32024857411653,"sku":"ONSV8815","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV8815__01.jpg?v=1610117165","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-usaaf-bomber-crew-m4a2-flak-helmet-1","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}