US Army Air Corp no. 1A Flying Helmet by Western Electric

A very scarce and early example, this represents the very first US helmet to incorporate radio telephone equipment and saw limited use in the final years of WWII. The earliest examples laced up the back and over the crown of the head, while this is a slightly later version with lacing in the neck area, but the crown is fitted with an adjustment strap. The tan leather receiver covers are marked H8 and both the wiring snaps are present and working, although the helmet is unwired and receivers are not fitted. Due to problems with the development of a suitable oxygen mask to accompany the 1A helmet, its issue and use was restriced. The tan leather is in exceptional condition, as is the blanket lined interior, which is fitted with a woven label to Western Electric. The helmet is marked medium, but appears to fit somewhat larger.