The Historic Flying Clothing Company Tel: 01332 345729
Email: david@historicflyingclothing.com
Web site: https://www.historicflyingclothing.com/

RAF D-type flying helmet - early pattern

SOLD

Code: H22816



Stores reference 22c/581-4.  Unknown size but perhaps a '3'.  Cotton canvas helmet intended for use in tropical/desert climates in the Middle East, Mediterranean, North Africa etc. and incorporating a neck flap at the rear to provide sun protection.  The material is in very good overall condition bar light soiling and a small frayed area on the left side of the forehead panel (see photos). The overall appearance is let down a little by the verdigris deposits on the press studs but these could be carefully cleaned.  Quite good goggle straps but the press studs lack the majority of their original coatings.  The rubber receiver carriers on this first pattern helmet are stitched externally and have a large exposed 'flange'.  They are in excellent fully flexible condition.  The helmet's satin lining & inner donuts are quite good  with only moderate soiling although it has pulled away from the press studs as is often the case.  Both felt panels (inner forehead area and back of chintab) remain in place, the former with a small hole.  The leather chinstrap has surface wear but does retain the metal end tip.  The Bennett buckle is complete but lacks the leather covering.   This helmet is studded for use with both the Type D oxygen mask and later E and G-series masks.  Sold unwired and without receivers but these can be supplied  separately if required.  A good used example of this rare early variant.  Stock code H22816.