Luftwaffe LKp W101 Winter Flying Helmet

This model replaced the pre-war LKp W100 and whilst made to the same basic pattern it featured improved Siemens communications and better sound insulation. Instead of aluminium cups the earphones are housed in hard rubber cups covered with dark brown leather which had a more streamlined appearance and with an external recess at the top which helped secure the goggle straps in place. The avionics were also enhanced by the installation of a Perspex membranes inside the helmet between the cushioned fleece lining and the earphone speaker. The housing for the throat microphones on the LKp W101 was also improved with two straps containing the microphone linked by an inverted "T" at the nape of the helmet. This housing also served as the junction between the helmet's internal wiring and the long cord and plug-in connector. The throat straps were adjustable by means of two buckles, and once correctly adjusted could be joined together or removed at the front by means of a snap fastening.

On offer is a very fine example of the type, that appears to be in almost unissued condition. The leather shell is very soft and has virtually all its original factory finish intact, with just minor rubbing to the receiver housings. It has provision for using with a 3 point oxygen mask with an adjustable brow strap fitted. The metal parts are all excellent and the goggle and chin straps are absolutely mint. The earphones Perspex covers are undamaged and embossed Ln 26602. The helmet is fully wired and carries a long wiring cord with a 4 pin plug fitted marked BLKvFL 27560 and the round throat microphones are marked Mi 4c with manufacturers code bxo. Inside the helmet is equally clean with a full lambswool lining and with a sewn in label confirming the size is Gr 56, the model nos, and other detail which includes the manufacturer's code bxo, indicating it was made by Deutsche Telephonwerke und Kabelindustrie A.-G., Berlin SO 36. The label is not dated like some but we would estimate manufacture in the mid WWII period. It also features a good clear BAL ink stamp stands for Bauaufsichten der Luftwaffe, the air force procurement agency. Like the other Luftwaffe kit we have recently listed this helmet ticks all the boxes and it would be very hard to find a better original example.