In four short years, the US Army Air Forces grew from a small air service to a mighty armada that swept the Luftwaffe from the skies, and was capable of projecting force on a global scale. AAF pilots early in WW2 were issued the classic B-5 sheepskin leather flight helmet for wear in cold weather. The first B-5s produced by the Rough Wear Clothing Co. Of Middleton, PA in 1941 featured a distinctive reddish hue; their early sheepskin came to be known as "redskin".
This US Army AAF WW2 PILOT "REDSKIN" B-5 SHEEPSKIN LEATHER FLIGHT HELMET is in excellent condition, with the "male" portion of the right goggle retention snap having pulled away from the leather, and remaining permanently connected to the "female" portion, some light side to side flattening to the crown, and with some light scattered surface flaking and age wear evident (ALL pictured). Otherwise, the helmet is in excellent shape, with no other damage to the elegant. Grained "redskin" sheepskin leather construction. Most interestingly, it's the scarce, desirable Size X-Large, boasts a warm sheepskin fleece interior and lined leather chin cup, and sports the classic "TYPE B-5" AAF nomenclature label inside. A beautiful example of a very rare, original. US Army AAF WW2 PILOT "REDSKIN" B-5 SHEEPSKIN LEATHER FLIGHT HELMET. We have shown a LIFE Magazine photo of an AAF pilot early in WW2 wearing a very similar B-5 helmet. The item "US Army AAF WW2 PILOT REDSKIN B-5 SHEEPSKIN LEATHER FLIGHT HELMET EXC XL RARE" is in sale since Tuesday, September 3, 2019. 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.