Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is an excellent original U.S. WWII naval aviation flight helmet set consisting of a Beck manufactured NAF 1092S summer cloth flight helmet, a pair of Telephonics TH-37 earphone receivers, and AN-6530 flying goggles with red tinted lenses. The helmet was suitable for use by U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators and has been modified during the period to accommodate externally mounted communications equipment.

The NAF 1092S was the lightweight summer version of the lined leather NAF 1092 flight helmet. The “S” designation indicated the summer pattern, which was constructed from cloth rather than the heavier leather and insulated materials used for colder conditions. The interior retains its original manufacturer’s label for: BECK

The early NAF 1092 series did not originally incorporate permanently mounted earphone cups. This quickly became a disadvantage as reliable radio communication became increasingly important to naval aviation. Cloth flight helmets could be readily adapted in the field or at unit level by cutting openings and adding various types of external earphone holders.

This example has been modified with small snap closed cloth pouches installed on each side of the helmet. These pouches hold a pair of TH-37 earphone receivers manufactured by Telephonics. Each receiver retains its Telephonics marking. The modification has the practical, purpose built appearance expected of wartime aviation equipment adapted to meet changing operational requirements.

The helmet remains in very good overall condition and shows the expected age and service wear. The cloth body, modified earphone pouches, receivers, and interior maker’s label are all retained.

Also included is an original pair of AN-6530 flying goggles fitted with red tinted lenses. The goggles remain in very good overall condition. The original elastic strap shows substantial period wear, while the interior material also exhibits age and use. Despite this wear, the goggles remain an attractive and appropriate accompaniment to the helmet.

Early naval aviation flight helmets are particularly interesting because many were altered as communications technology developed during WWII. The added TH-37 receivers give this set the appearance of equipment actually adapted for operational use rather than a helmet that remained in its original, unmodified configuration.

With its Beck maker’s label, wartime earphone modification, Telephonics TH-37 receivers, and AN-6530 goggles, this is a particularly complete and visually appealing U.S. Navy or Marine Corps aviation flight helmet set.