Original Item. Only One Available. This is an excellent original WWII U.S. Navy M-450-1 summer flight helmet, manufactured by H.L.B. Corp. of New York and complete with period communications equipment and a pair of Chas Fischer Spring Co. Mk II-pattern flying goggles. The lightweight khaki cloth M-450-1 was part of the wartime flight equipment used by U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators and aircrew, providing a comfortable warm-weather helmet that could be equipped with radio receivers.

The original black-and-gold label remains sewn inside and is marked:

U.S. NAVY
SPECIFICATION M-450-1
H.L.B. CORP. N.Y.
CONTRACT NOS. 1020 A

The helmet retains its characteristic multi-panel khaki cotton construction, padded ear openings, leather receiver housings, wiring, adjustment hardware, and associated leather components. Most importantly, the communications equipment can now be positively identified. The receiver housings are clearly marked:

TYPE TH 37
Telephonics Corporation
NEW YORK, N.Y.
CTE 49015
300-Z

The heavy black wiring remains routed around the rear of the helmet, while the interior retains the thick cream-colored padded ear cushions.

Also included is a very attractive pair of original Chas Fischer Spring Co. Mk II-pattern flying goggles. The goggles feature metal frames, green-tinted lenses, a one-piece chamois-faced cushion, and an adjustable elastic headband. The center bridge bears the distinctive FS diamond marking associated with Chas Fischer Spring manufacture. This frame and hinge configuration is recognized as the U.S. Navy Mk II pattern rather than the later AN-6530 pattern.

Of additional interest, the goggle strap retains a period inked ownership marking beginning “ENS. R. V. HAST…”, with the remainder no longer fully legible. The clearly visible ENS. abbreviation indicates the rank of Ensign, adding a particularly appealing personal element to the set. We have not attempted to identify the original owner from the incomplete name.

Condition is very good overall for original WWII flight equipment. The helmet remains solid and highly displayable, showing expected service wear, scattered staining, discoloration, creasing, and age to the khaki cloth. The padded ear pieces remain in place, while the leather components show expected dryness, surface wear, and age. The wiring and TH-37 receiver equipment remain present but have not been tested for functionality.

The goggles display particularly well and retain their original green lenses and substantial portions of the chamois padding. There is age-related staining, wear, and deterioration to the cushion, oxidation and surface wear to the metal frame, and scattered scratching to the lenses. The viewer's left lens has a noticeable vertical crack, though it remains seated securely in the frame. The elastic strap also shows age and use but remains present with its adjustment hardware and period Ensign's marking.