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RAF partial pressure flying helmet, Type E, cased

SOLD

Code: H24561

Stores reference 22c/2096. Size medium. By Baxter Woodhouse and Taylor Limited. These flying helmets/bonedomes were used in the 1960s by Lightning pilots (amongst others) for high altitude flying in conjunction with a partial pressure Jerkin. The type 'E' consists of a helmet shell carrying an open pressure visor and a pressure bladder. The helmet shell is of white painted 'Durestos' with additional Terylene laminates for impact protection. The pressure bladder has two compartments moulded into one integral whole, consisting of an oxygen mask and a head-enclosing bladder fastened at the rear with head straps and a vertical zip fastener. The pressure bladder is fitted with a removable pure silk liner. Fitted with twin visors - the clear inner visor being a pressure type that seals to the helmet when closed. A manually operated tinted anti-glare visor is fixed outside the pressure visor. Manufactured with a microphone and oxygen tube port with corrugated tube attached. Fully avionics with wiring loom and NATO style plug. Central frontal hinged 'mouth opening' flap for eating, drinking, vomiting etc. The main shell is in excellent condition with just light marking and a few small chips. The rubber bladder remains very good and appears to be complete and supple. As with many bonedomes there is some shedding of 'dust' from inner foam padding but this is not sticky and very easily cleaned away. The silk liner is complete/undamaged and the zip fastener and rear straps are also excellent. Both visors are very good although the friction mechanism of the outer is rather stiff to operate and care is needed. It probably needs cleaning and/or lubricating. The fitted oxygen tube is also very good/undamaged. The helmet comes with the original issue pressed fibre transit case. This is in good '+' overall condition with internal plastic 'former' (cracked/damaged), lock (no key) and leather carrying handle. The felt lining is partially detached around the edges and has some moth damage. This helmet belonged to Flight Lieutenant Shaw who flew Lightning F1s with 74 (Tiger) Squadron, based at RAF Coltishall and comes with his partial pressure helmet flying hours record card with entries from January to August 1964. Also with a maintenance and inspection sheet, helmet modfication sheet dated October 1960 and a 'final inspection of assembled helmet' dated 1967 - presumably done after a service. The original case label has the serial number '380' and this corresponds to both the paperwork and number painted on the helmet. Overall, an excellent used example of this extremely rare and desirable helmet. A fabulous looking item. Stock code H24561.