Glider Pilot’s Flying Helmet

Original WWII Glider pilot’s flying helmet. The so-called ‘Helmet, Crash, Lightweight’ is in good used condition, show traces of wear, the paint on the helmet is still good but always fragile on these helmets. These helmets were issued to the British Army Air Corps, glider pilots who famously wore them during Operation Overlord and Operation Market Garden. The elasticated webbing chinstrap has its full length. The helmet could have press stud fastenings added to accept an oxygen mask but in practice this helmet would have been used as a ‘microphone carrier’ and many were used with a wiring loom and ‘dangling’ hand-held microphone instead. The leather remains supple but shows wear. It is War department broad arrow stamped with reference and size 6 5/8. Both rubber receiver carriers are high-quality reproductions and have been professionally re-applied to the helmet. These parts are often found hardened or damaged on original examples. Internally the webbing liner is very good and the chamois remains clean.  A good used example of an extremely rare helmet.