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I have had this Army Air Force leather flying helmet for nearly 20 years. It was given to me by a client at a time when I drove a Lotus Super 7. (Although I never used it for that)
I would like to have an idea of the date of manufacture? Is it possibly WWII?
What air crew would use this type?
It was made by the Selby Shoe Co.
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Your comments are welcome!
Selby Shoe Co., Portsmouth, Ohio contract W33038-AC-3172 for "FLYING HELMETS" is dated June 1944, completed November 1944 and paid $804,000.
Selby had a previous contract in October 1943, and a subsequent contract in March 1945, so they made a lot of these helmets.
The "Army Air Forces" identification places the helmet in the WWII period as well. As to who used this type flying helmet I am no expert but I believe this was general issue to anyone on flight status.
Perhaps the most famous use of this item was by Donald Sutherland's tank commander character "Oddball" in the film "Kelly's Heroes" (a film BTW I fail to see the popularity, even Clint Eastwood was disappointed the way the studio changed the plot).
A very nice A11. Like mentioned above, any member of the USAAF on flight status would have used these from Bomber crews to Fighter pilots. There are several different types of flight helmet. Some made of cloth and others made of leather.
You got yourself a nice one that is properly stamped with the AAF insignia.
Semper Fi
Phil
Thank you for the info. I am pleased to find out that it is WWII production. It appears to have little use.
I had thought it similar to Donald Sutherland's movie one; but was not sure if the movie stuff was correct for period!
I need to keep it in good condition; any tip's on storage?
Yeah you could send it to me and I'll take awesome care of it and send you pic's so you know its in a good home and is happy!!!!!!:dancingbanana::D
Or you could just keep it in a climate controlled room out of direct sun light.
Semper Fi
Phil
I would suggest keeping your hair well greased with pomade or Brylcreem and wearing it everyday as you drive about town, but that is just the way I do things.
I don't have enough hair for Brylcreem:lol::lol: