US Army AAF WW2 B-17 BOMBER PILOT M-5 FLAK HELMET Vtg Flight Aviator RARE
US Army Air Forces B-17 "Flying Fortress" bombers ran a gauntlet of fire from flak and fighters in the hotly contested skies over Occupied Europe. The M-5 flak helmet was developed to better protect B-17 pilots and air crews from "ack ack" while in flight. The M-5 featured a steel shell like that of an M-1 helmet, but carried hinged and pointed metal ear flaps to fit over flight helmets and headsets. This US Army AAF WW2 B-17 BOMBER PILOT M-5 FLAK HELMET is in very good condition, having been repainted "hunter" green inside and out during the 1950s, and with the name "Ricky Schindler" hand marked in black at the back right crown, along with a few unknown symbols, some scattered scratching, surface chipping, and spot patina around the exterior, some scattered dusting and patina around the inside, some scattered greenish paint staining and brownish soiling to the interior suspension, moderate patina to the metal "A" washers around the inside, an almost complete tear to the left end of the leather forehead band, missing the right end of that band, missing the leather chinstraps, and with some scattered age wear evident (ALL pictured). Otherwise, the helmet is in fine shape, with absolutely no dents, cracking, or other damage to the tough steel construction; the repainted finish and scribbled name suggest it was used as a "soapbox derby" type of racing helmet in the 1950s.
Most interestingly, it boasts the classic hinged and pointed metal ear flaps, sports a fully intact khaki HBT interior suspension, sweatband, and nape strap, and features the original brown leather forehead band. A fine example of a very rare, original US Army AAF WW2 B-17 BOMBER PILOT M-5 FLAK HELMET. The item "US Army AAF WW2 B-17 BOMBER PILOT M-5 FLAK HELMET Vtg Flight Aviator RARE" is in sale since Friday, August 28, 2020.
This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\WW II (1939-45)\Original Period Items\United States\Hats & Helmets". The seller is "abramsantiques" and is located in Claremont, California.
This item can be shipped worldwide.