Original British WWII RAF 2nd Pattern Type C Leather Flying Helmet with Early Post War Oxygen Mask Original Items

Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is a lovely example of a genuine WWII RAF Type C leather flying helmet, as used by British and Commonwealth pilots during the war. There are no markings or labels present, but the size would be approximately a 7 ¼.

The second pattern Type C helmet was first issued in 1944 and had the comms already internally wired inside. Consisting of a bell plug with a braided flex which entered the helmet at the rear, the wiring then divided into two pairs of leads passing between the leather shell and the chamois lining, eventually emerging on each side of the helmet to be connected with the earphones. A third internal lead finished in a sewn-on bakelite electrical socket on the left side to be connected to the oxygen mask’s microphone. Unfortunately there are no longer any electronics or communications equipment present inside of the helmet.

The former leather chin strap was replaced by an elastic webbing strap secured by a snap fastener on the right side. The chin strap still retains its elasticity and is in solid condition.

While constantly evolving during its production, the Type C saw several variations and intermediate versions with different combinations of oxygen mask attachment hooks, goggle straps, earphone wiring and chin straps.

As production went on well after WWII, postwar Type C helmets had a slightly shallower brow cut and the (now external) earphone cords were anchored by means of extra two short leather straps.

Both the helmet and oxygen mask are in excellent condition and even though the mask is post war, they display very well together.

Comes more than ready for further research and display.