USAAF flyer's helmet, M5

USAAF flyer's helmet, M5

Code: H26983

SOLD

USAAF M5 anti-flak helmet.  By the beginning of 1943 some American combat aircrews had begun wearing the M1 steel helmet over flying headgear as protection against flak.  Following this official designs were developed that were improved and modified.  This M5 helmet was standardised in January 1945.   It was intended for most combat crew positions and used by the pilots, co-pilot, navigator, radio operator and flight engineer on troop carrier aircraft and the pilot/co-pilots of gliders.   It was made of Hadfield maganese steel and had elongated hinged earflaps, all finished with an olive drab green flock coating to help prevent skin from freezing to the metal at altitude.  An adjustable webbing lining/harness allowed for personal fitting.  The helmet shell is in very good condition and retains much of the original finish.  The lining is also good but sadly the leather chinstrap has been severed where it was attached to the flexible bale mounts on the earflaps (We noted that the example photograph in the IWM collection also had a missing/broken strap).  It would be a relatively easy task to make and fit a simple strap.  Anti-flak helmets are now becoming harder to find.  A good example that makes a great display piece.  Stock code H26983.