PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A flying helmet that consists of a shoulder length chrome leather cowl with a facial opening for the eyes and nose. To either side of the opening are adjustable ear flaps, with nine small ear holes in a circular pattern, with a cylindrical leather pad to break the wind in front that cover circular ear holes in the helmet. There are three brown colored female snaps to the rear end of the flap that mate with five brass male snaps arranged in a "V" on the cowl behind the circular ear opening. Above the face opening are two small straps, one to either side, with four adjustment holes that mate nickel-silver plated steel single prong buckles. These straps can be used to tighten up the opening around the eyes. To either side in front of the ear flaps are cords one which ends in a single prong, leather covered steel buckle, and the other in an eight adjustment hole strap. This chin-strap could be used either under the chin or behind the head. The crown and the bottom 4 1/2" of the interior are lined with a soft chamois leather. Between the two chamois liners, which was most likely lined is fur or fleece, is a light leather that is drying and flaking away. To the interior crown is stitched a silk label with the text "Made By", "A. Edward & Co.", and a partial "London" with the rest of the label starting to fray. There are also what appears to be a partial War Department stamp on the back interior of the crown. Although it is moderately age soiled has a couple of wear spots and the cord on one side of the chin-strap is starting to fray, the helmet is still quite supple and in good condition especially considering its age. A very nice early WWI flight helmet.

GRADE ***1/2                             PRICE $2,340.00