mammut08 Posted December 19, 2016 Share #1 Posted December 19, 2016 Hi All, Seems I have amassed a small collection of WWI era US Navy flying helmets. The first is part of a grouping and is named to Alexander F. Carson. The grouping contains the Western Electric 1-A shown here, his log book and a snap in face protector for an Abercrombie and Fitch soft shell helmet (see below). His name is written on the helmet in several places and he drew wings across it brow in ink. Gotta love a helmet with wings. The goggles are Luxor #5s and not part of the grouping. Best, Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammut08 Posted December 19, 2016 Author Share #2 Posted December 19, 2016 Wings! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammut08 Posted December 19, 2016 Author Share #3 Posted December 19, 2016 His log book ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammut08 Posted December 19, 2016 Author Share #4 Posted December 19, 2016 ... a page listing is postings... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammut08 Posted December 19, 2016 Author Share #5 Posted December 19, 2016 ... and one listing several of the Curtiss H-16s in which he flew ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammut08 Posted December 19, 2016 Author Share #6 Posted December 19, 2016 ... a photo of #4061 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammut08 Posted December 19, 2016 Author Share #7 Posted December 19, 2016 and one of the last pages of the log book. How bout that Miss McKenna? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammut08 Posted December 19, 2016 Author Share #8 Posted December 19, 2016 Here is the face protector from the Carson grouping paired with an Abercrombie and Fitch helmet and Aviglass goggles worn by an unknown Navy pilot. This helmet has the names of several British flying boat bases written on it, but unfortunately, no name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammut08 Posted December 19, 2016 Author Share #9 Posted December 19, 2016 Let's see, what else do I have... This is a padded soft shell made by Spalding. While not visible it is embossed with U.S.N and has the pilots name, Boothe, written on it in ink. I have been unable to track down this pilot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammut08 Posted December 19, 2016 Author Share #10 Posted December 19, 2016 One more, illustrated here is a USN Spalding hard shell set up for comm equipment. Those of you who own a copy of Prodger's Vintage Flying Helmets may recognize this artifact, as it is the same one photographed for his book. The goggles and face mask are both post-war, 1920's vintage items Thanks for looking! Best, Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazelot Posted December 20, 2016 Share #11 Posted December 20, 2016 Nice. Great helmets. I don't collect pre WWII Navy flight helmets but I can appreciate them. The quality of workmanship is top notch in those helmets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpstout Posted December 20, 2016 Share #12 Posted December 20, 2016 Wonderful pieces & great photos! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammut08 Posted December 21, 2016 Author Share #13 Posted December 21, 2016 Thanks Bazelot! You are correct, some of the WWi era flight gear is closer to luxury items than the more utilitarian equipment of later conflicts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammut08 Posted December 21, 2016 Author Share #14 Posted December 21, 2016 Thanks JPStout! Nice pieces deserve good photos, I try and give them their due. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lakenormanusa Posted December 21, 2016 Share #15 Posted December 21, 2016 Hello, I have this WWI era portrait. Can the helmet (pilot) in this photo be identified as military or civilian? Thanks, Rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammut08 Posted December 21, 2016 Author Share #16 Posted December 21, 2016 Hi Rick, That's a great piece. I think I remember seeing it on eBay. I hate to say it, but there is nothing diagnostic about either the helmet or coat. The helmet is styalistically generic and both could be private purchase items. Either way, its super cool. Is there a name anyplace? Best, Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lakenormanusa Posted December 21, 2016 Share #17 Posted December 21, 2016 Hi Rick, That's a great piece. I think I remember seeing it on eBay. I hate to say it, but there is nothing diagnostic about either the helmet or coat. The helmet is styalistically generic and both could be private purchase items. Either way, its super cool. Is there a name anyplace? Best, Dave Thanks Dave! Unfortunately, there is no ID on the photo. Maybe there's something written inside, but I'd be afraid to take it apart. Rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammut08 Posted December 21, 2016 Author Share #18 Posted December 21, 2016 Hi Rick, I bet there is a name on the back of the photo, but I'd err on the side of caution and just enjoy it. Like I said, it's a nice one. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unclegrumpy Posted December 21, 2016 Share #19 Posted December 21, 2016 This is a padded soft shell made by Spalding. While not visible it is embossed with U.S.N and has the pilots name, Boothe, written on it in ink. I have been unable to track down this pilot. Naval Aviator #1021 was Edmund Wood Booth. I wonder if what you are seeing is really meant as "Booth, e"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammut08 Posted December 21, 2016 Author Share #20 Posted December 21, 2016 Good question, I'll post a photo tomorrow and we can have a look together. Might also be a post war aviator. Best, Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammut08 Posted December 22, 2016 Author Share #21 Posted December 22, 2016 UncleGrumpy, Here is a shot of the name, unfortunately, looks like Boothe, as opposed to last name, first initial. The search continues! Best, Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nack Posted December 24, 2016 Share #22 Posted December 24, 2016 Wow - these are great too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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