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R.A.F. / S.A.A.F. Type A Flying Helmet
SOLD
Code: SOLD-1268
Size 6, ?. @APOS@Helmet, Cork, Aviation@APOS@. Stores ref. 22c/13. Issued to aircrews based East of Malta. First issued in the 1920s and remained in service until superseded by the cotton drill D-type flying helmet in 1941. Manufactured from lightweight cork and in the form of a pith helmet normally covered in light khaki coloured cotton drill. Has earflaps in the same material, backed with chamois leather to which a chinstrap with pronged buckle closure is attached. The earflaps have pockets to take Gosport fittings or receivers. This very unusual example is manufactured in a @APOS@blue@APOS@ cotton drill (blue/khaki fleck). Stamped internally with indistinct size details, manufacturer@APOS@s markings (??, London) and 1928 (38?) date. The helmet is fitted with a brass South African Air Force cap badge and felt unit flashes attached to the grey puggaree. Light overall soiling/grime with some light mothing to the exterior. The @APOS@earflaps@APOS@ have more moth damage (see photos) and loss of some of the small @APOS@eyelets@APOS@. The interior of the helmet is soiled and two of the webbing suspension tapes loose. Makes an excellent display piece. This is the first example of a @APOS@blue@APOS@ Type A helmet I have ever seen and is of extreme rarity. Stock code H15337.
