USAAF AN-H-15 Summer Flying Helmet

A good issued example of the Army Air Force classic summer flying helmet of WWII and the helmet of choice for fighter pilots serving in the Pacific campaign. This pattern was designed as a replacement for the A-9 helmet and was standardised in April 1943. This example is unwired but the receiver housings are still very supple and it would be a simple job to upgrade with an appropriate wiring loom and a set of ANB-H-1 earphone receivers. The khaki 'Byrd' cloth shell is in good condition but some service marks commensurate with an issued helmet. The front brow is marked with the initials D.H. and repeated on the back leather strap is 'D.B.H.' so we assume the original owners initials. The helmet carries an AAF ink stamp to the shell, with a similar stamp inside. Four oxygen mask snaps are fitted so is a late war variant. This is confirmed on the woven label inside that indicates a 1944 contract date and the helmet was manufactured by Bradley Goodrich Inc; it is also marked 'Large'. The chin strap is fitted with a velvet anti- rub cover and is stamped H 4263.