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WWI(ish) Navy Pilot Helmets


mammut08
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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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lakenormanusa

Hello, I have this WWI era portrait.

Can the helmet (pilot) in this photo be identified

as military or civilian?

 

Thanks,

Rick

 

 

post-125711-0-34189800-1482280414_thumb.jpg

 

post-125711-0-93677200-1482280739_thumb.jpg

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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

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lakenormanusa

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

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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

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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"?

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UncleGrumpy,

 

Here is a shot of the name, unfortunately, looks like Boothe, as opposed to last name, first initial. The search continues!

 

Best,

 

Dave

post-160270-0-08544000-1482416993.jpg

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