{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-usn-usmc-h-l-b-corp-m-450-1-summer-flight-helmet-with-telephonics-th-37-headset-chas-fischer-spring-mk-ii-goggles","title":"Original U.S. WWII USN \/ USMC H.L.B. Corp. M-450-1 Summer Flight Helmet with Telephonics TH-37 Headset \u0026 Chas Fischer Spring Mk II Goggles","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is an excellent original WWII U.S. Navy M-450-1 summer flight helmet, manufactured by \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eH.L.B. Corp. of New York\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e and complete with period communications equipment and a pair of \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eChas Fischer Spring Co.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original black-and-gold label remains sewn inside and is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eU.S. NAVY\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eSPECIFICATION M-450-1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eH.L.B. CORP. N.Y.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eCONTRACT NOS. 1020 A\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTYPE TH 37\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eTelephonics Corporation\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eNEW YORK, N.Y.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eCTE 49015\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e300-Z\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heavy black wiring remains routed around the rear of the helmet, while the interior retains the thick cream-colored padded ear cushions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso included is a very attractive pair of original \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eChas Fischer Spring Co.\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/b\u003eMk 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 \u003cb\u003eFS diamond\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf additional interest, the goggle strap retains a period inked ownership marking beginning \u003cb\u003e“ENS. R. V. HAST…”\u003c\/b\u003e, with the remainder no longer fully legible. The clearly visible \u003cb\u003eENS.\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition 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 \u003cb\u003enot been tested for functionality\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45736378302533,"sku":"ONJR26JARA034","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/C470CDC8-0404-47FB-AC5D-5CE56C51FCDA.jpg?v=1789152901","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-usn-usmc-h-l-b-corp-m-450-1-summer-flight-helmet-with-telephonics-th-37-headset-chas-fischer-spring-mk-ii-goggles","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}