Sabrejet Posted March 5, 2014 Share #1 Posted March 5, 2014 Photographic evidence reveals that a variety of ear-cushion types were used on standard issue AAF headsets during WW2 with perhaps the sponge rubber type being the most common? My question concerns the M-301 "donut" type cushions as shown below. Does anyone know precisely when they entered the inventory? I'm thinking post-war but can't be 100% sure. Obviously, they effectively existed during WW2 as similar cushions were fitted to a variety of flying helmets from '43 on. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted March 5, 2014 Author Share #2 Posted March 5, 2014 Cont'd... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted March 5, 2014 Author Share #3 Posted March 5, 2014 Here's an example of a headset in just such a configuration I found on the 'net. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted March 6, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted March 6, 2014 No-one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SergeantMajorGray Posted March 6, 2014 Share #5 Posted March 6, 2014 I'd be interested to see a timeline listing when the different models came out but there isn't much info on headsets out there it seems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SergeantMajorGray Posted March 6, 2014 Share #6 Posted March 6, 2014 I saw a headset with those cushions on it that was dated 1946. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted March 6, 2014 Author Share #7 Posted March 6, 2014 The headsets themselves are reasonably easy to date...it's the variety of cushions that were used on them! The basic WW2 style headband was used right through the 50s but the "add-ons" such as the receivers and cushions varied. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted March 6, 2014 Author Share #8 Posted March 6, 2014 I saw a headset with those cushions on it that was dated 1946. '46? Can you recall where the date was marked? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SergeantMajorGray Posted March 6, 2014 Share #9 Posted March 6, 2014 '46? Can you recall where the date was marked? Thanks. Sorry by dated I meant the receivers not the cushion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted March 6, 2014 Author Share #10 Posted March 6, 2014 No probs. The thing is the headsets were assembled from different components, as necessary. The headband was issued in a box. Ditto the receivers. They were then assembled and the cushions added. So, you could have a headband from '42, receivers from '44 and cushions from '45! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SergeantMajorGray Posted March 6, 2014 Share #11 Posted March 6, 2014 No probs. The thing is the headsets were assembled from different components, as necessary. The headband was issued in a box. Ditto the receivers. They were then assembled and the cushions added. So, you could have a headband from '42, receivers from '44 and cushions from '45! M1 helmet liners all over again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baron3-6 Posted March 6, 2014 Share #12 Posted March 6, 2014 My understanding was that the doughnut pads were very late 1944 on. I believe I have seen B-29 footage of guys wearing them. I could be wrong on this though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72psb Posted March 6, 2014 Share #13 Posted March 6, 2014 Here's an example of a headset in just such a configuration I found on the 'net. Ian, I have a set just like this.Brand new in the box.(labels peeled of critical data) The pads and jack have NAF #s(pad NAF-48490-1/jack NAF.215285-2. The head bands have the OD and leather 3 snap cover.Made by Perm-o-Flux. Anybody know the time frame when used? Navy or AF or both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZPhil Posted March 9, 2014 Share #14 Posted March 9, 2014 I have a set of these that are like the pair in the first pic with the doughnut type ear cushions and would be very interested to find out when these were used. Mine have the pads marked NAF48490-1 but my jack is marked PL354. Semper Fi Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trubia26 Posted December 11, 2014 Share #15 Posted December 11, 2014 This picture is from WWII...an USAAF crew member...hope this helps.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZPhil Posted December 12, 2014 Share #16 Posted December 12, 2014 Awesome pic trubia26. So is there any info on that pic. Like mentioned above I have a set of these and would really like to know that if I display them I will know they are correct for WW2 ThanksSemper Fi Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now