A recent pickup of mine is this gorgeous headgear set, totally original and stored away since the war.
The set comprises a Type B Flying Helmet, made by Wareings in a generously fitting size 2. The helmet has had its manufactured date erased and written in pen is the issue date of 1941.
The helmet is complemented by a superb Type D Oxygen mask, fitted with the Type 54 Adaptor in order to accept the Type 26 microphone assembly. Interestingly the mask is an early issue, but has had its press studs removed in order to prevent them freezing to the operator‘s hand when the mask was used. This, coupled with the fact the helmet has cheek protectors installed, would suggest the set was used for radio communications only and therefore the mask was used as a microphone carrier.
To find a Type D Mask in any condition is a rare event, but to find one fitted with an original Type 54 adaptor is extremely rare. As the photos below show, the condition is superb with only a few areas of wear to the fabric.
Internally the mask shows some soiling, but this is in keeping with the helmet, showing the set was always used together. As the photos show, the helmet has had cheek protectors installed to prevent the press studs from fusing to the wearer’s face in extreme temperatures.
The helmet has also had a panel of leather installed to the top, I imagine as a form of cushioning? The work is a period addition.
Overall this is a really unusual grouping to find with the mask having the adaptor installed and the various modifications made to the set as a whole. If only it could talk!
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