Luftwaffe FK-33 Flying Helmet

this was the standard WWII unwired summer helmet for use by aircrew for primary training as well as for combat crew positions where no communication was necessary. These were also used by single engine fighter pilots early on during the Blitzkrieg in 1939/40. It is interesting by mid war virtually all crew positions required radio contact this helmet is documented in manufacture certainly until 1943 with later examples carrying the provision for attaching two and three point oxygen mask. Our example appears to be an interim version with clips for an oxygen mask and interestingly carries a crown snap fastener which is believed to be an early attachment method for a tree point mask. An identical helmet is featured in Mick Prodger's 'Vintage Flying Helmets' book, bottom of page 232. Inside the cotton lining is close to perfect and judging from the overall exceptional condition and appears to have seen only very light use. A fine specimen often missing from WWII Luftwaffe collections. A further bonus is it is a good size, possibly a 58.