|
WORLD WAR ONE ERA AVIATOR’S LEATHER FLYING HELMET
AND GOGGLES – COMPLETE SET IN WONDERFUL CONDITION w/
PERIOD IDENTIFICATION: This is a very special
piece, having survived in remarkable condition and
complete with all of the components to include the
period goggles. As illustrated in several publications
to include The World War One Collectors Handbook
by Otoupalik, Gordon and Schulz, this soft leather
Pilot’s Helmet is one of the classic designs associated
with the very early days of aviation.
As noted above, this helmet is complete with all of the
buckles, billets, exterior ear hole flaps, and goggle
strap retaining snaps. The leather is naturally soft
with no hardening or stiffening due to age or soiling,
and is a naturally distressed light brown color with no
treatments or other applications to darken the color.
All of the seams are intact and all of the hardware is
present. The interior of the helmet crown is lined with
a light tan chamois leather, while the interior surfaces
of the visor, ear flaps and collar are lined with a wool
felt-like material. Both linings are fully intact and
overall quite clean.
The goggles appear to be original to the helmet and have
been retained by the leather loops around the crown of
the helmet for a long time. The lenses are complete,
fully intact and are clear of heavy scratches or wear.
The frames are solid with only minor evidence of wear or
use and they retain much of the original nickel
plating. The rubber gasket on the inside edge of the
goggles that rested against the face of the pilot has
experienced some deterioration and some of it is
missing. The two lenses are connected in the center
with an unbroken leather strap and buckle. The strap
securing the goggles to the helmet is a brown cotton
tape and the adjusting buckle is present.
Under the right ear flap is written in ink, “R. B. SMEAL”,
probably the pilot’s name. A preliminary search for
information on this man has not yet revealed his
identity, but this would be a good opportunity for the
new owner to pursue this man’s story.
In the last photograph shown below, this same pattern of
helmet can be seen as part of the New England Air
Museum’s collection of material from the Lafayette
Escadrille – the famous World War One squadron that was
staffed with many American pilots prior to the United
States’ involvement in the war. A Lafayette Escadrille
pilot shown beside the helmet display appears to be
wearing a helmet and goggles, which if not the same
pattern as the specimen offered here, appears to be very
close in style.
Far from common, these early aviation helmets are very
desirable and one in this condition, and complete with
the goggles, would be a fine addition to your
collection. $750
|
