Original French WWII Airaile Type 11 Armée de L’Air Flight Helmet by E. Gueneau & Cie of Paris Dated 1940 – Size 59 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. In 1935 France commanded one of the largest military forces in the world although her flying helmets and goggles were somewhat outdated and based on WWI designs. Despite this, the Airaile 11 remained the standard issue pattern for the French Air Force during the 1930s and into WWII. A modified version of the same helmet was also issued to French Army paratroopers.

This helmet was manufactured by E. Gueneau & Cie of Paris and the manufacturers paper label in the crown carries a late wartime date of Mars (March) 1940, just two months before Germany started their invasion of France. The size 59 is marked in white on the mack side.

This helmet features two goggle snap up strap retainers, two lateral clips to attach the hooks of an oxygen mask, two snap up wire leads at the rear and an adjustable chin strap with a double-ring buckle. The inner lining consists of eight leather fingers which together with a string-adjustable opening at the rear allowed some size adjustment. Two small holes at the back provided some aeration.

Two front-sewn ear flaps were to accommodate radio receivers (normally of Ericsson or Elno design) and could be secured close by means of three snap fasteners.

Produced in large quantities, remaining stocks of this type of helmet were “recycled“ after WWII to be used by French paratroopers.

This example is in great condition and shows no signs of any use during or after the war. It would be extremely difficult to upgrade from this one!

Comes more than ready for display.