HBT Posted July 24, 2015 Share #1 Posted July 24, 2015 I stopped by an estate sale this morning because there were old tools advertised. I stumbled into this WWI leather RAF flight helmet with photos, paperwork, insignia, glasses, etc. The vet (William V. Matthews) was an NCO with the 224th Aero Squadron in England. Couldn't find much info online but I will check my books when I get home. The helmet has "19" embroidered on the front. Note the "1" is styled like the union jack and the "9" is in Imperial German colors. Curious to find out what that denotes exactly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HBT Posted July 24, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted July 24, 2015 Embroidery detail Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HBT Posted July 24, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted July 24, 2015 front Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HBT Posted July 24, 2015 Author Share #4 Posted July 24, 2015 side Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayhawkhenry Posted July 24, 2015 Share #5 Posted July 24, 2015 Looks like Belgian colors on the number nine. Looks like a lot of embroidery souvenirs items I have seen. Could have been the start of "1918". Great items! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 24, 2015 Share #6 Posted July 24, 2015 Looks like the outline of some kind of badge with the remnants of oxidation ( waxy green stuff ). 1919 perhaps ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_rambow Posted July 24, 2015 Share #7 Posted July 24, 2015 If you look closely, the Italian flag is on the "back" of the nine (green, white with shield, and red). Definitely a "allied" theme. Very cool find! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warguy Posted July 24, 2015 Share #8 Posted July 24, 2015 I agree with what has been said about the embroidery. I have a very cool hanky with about the same style and color of embroidery at home if I remember correctly-it is 1919. I will try to post some pics tonight. Nice find here. Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Werneth Posted August 10, 2015 Share #9 Posted August 10, 2015 Nice personalized helmet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcastellanos4 Posted September 5, 2015 Share #10 Posted September 5, 2015 Very nice and hard to find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shakethetrees Posted September 30, 2015 Share #11 Posted September 30, 2015 OK. I'm officially jealous! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gfryman Posted September 30, 2015 Share #12 Posted September 30, 2015 Great find! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siege1863 Posted October 2, 2015 Share #13 Posted October 2, 2015 Not sure it is an incomplete date. If the last two digits were added, the centering would be off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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