Code: 10661
RAF, 1st pattern D-type flying helmet.
This superb condition canvas flying helmet is one of the earliest D-types, with an external wiring loom, leather chin strap & Bennetts buckle, 4 goggle straps, snap fasteners for the oxygen masks type D, E & G, and a silk inner lining with 'chamois' covered ear doughnut pads. The large black rubber ear/receiver cups usually found stitched onto the outside of a first pattern D helmet, are instead stitched from the inside.
A.M. & Kings Crown plus Air Ministry stores Ref No. 22C/582, rubber stamped on the chin piece.
The excellent Q-type wiring loom is complete with a pair of 'mint' condition type 16 receivers, and an early brown bakelite bell/jack plug. It also consists of a very rare type 26 microphone which is marked with two Air Ministry reference numbers 10A/12750 and 10A/12751 (see photos). The mouthpiece is also covered in a cotton gauze which is possibly an early trial example of the later metal splash guard-cover.
Overall, a superb early pattern flying helmet with some unusual features.
